A new community sports facility outside Cardiff City Stadium has been given planning permission subject to a section 106 agreement to see it built by the end of March 2012.
The new House of Sport, on land near Sloper Road in Leckwith, aims to be a community facility used by local schools as well as a training ground for Cardiff City football club and Cardiff blues.
The application for the two storey building of 4320 sq metres includes space for large and small halls and gym facilities, as well as a car park for 92 spaces.
But Canton councillor Richard Cook is sceptical of the development, which he questioned Cardiff Council planning officers about during the application process. He said:
"I remain sceptical that this can be built on time and there's no way for Cardiff Council to enforce it if it's not.
"Cardiff City football club have got cash flow problems so I did have some concerns about what was there, but the planning officers seem happy with it."
Cook also voiced worries that during difficult financial times, the football club would hike up prices for those wanting to use the facility – and cited the Cardiff West Park & Ride, which is owned by Cardiff City FC and is double the price of council-owned park and ride facilities elsewhere.
"It's a great resource which will hopefully remain available for schools, but if you look at park and ride it demonstrates when it goes out to the private sector prices are high. I want it to be affordable to working classes in Leckwith, Canton and nearby."
Members of Cardiff Council's planning committee also granted permission for a KFC drive-through and new Marston's pub to be built on the City Stadium grounds. Both applications were granted subject to the section 106 agreement to spend £26,000 on CCTV cameras at the junction of the access road with Leckwith Road. An application for the Marston's premise licence will go before the licensing sub committee tomorrow.
There were no formal objections made to the applications, which you can view and download here.
What do you think of the new House of Sport? Leave your comments below.
