An application for a set of modern houses in Whitchurch was refused by Cardiff Council's planning committee yesterday.
The application to build three houses on Church Road was rejected on grounds the contemporary designs were not in keeping with the conservation area.
Members of the planning committee felt the designs would not sit comfortably against the large Edwardian houses in the area, as well as the adjacent Grade-II listed St Mary's Church.
The application
The application for the four-bedroomed detached houses aimed to be a modern solution following designs typical for outbuildings in the conservation area using similar materials.
Objections to the application were received by the local community. The North West Conservation Group objected to the proposal, as originally submitted, on grounds that the design and colour were out of keeping with the conservation area. Nine letters of objection were received from the Whitchurch Heritage Action Group as well as nine local residents on the grounds the designs were out of character with the area. Objections were also received from councillors and Assembly Member Jonathan Morgan.
Councillor Linda Morgan spoke at the meeting to planning committee members. He said:
"The houses would diminish the surroundings of this area. These ultra modern houses will not integrate quickly into the street vision. This application will damage the look of Church Road."
Local councillor Timothy Davies also addressed the committee. He said:
"It's totally out of accord with the surrounding buildings, and it is beyond my understanding how it can be approved."
Planning operational manager Martin Morris reflected the officers' reasons to moving the application to be granted.
"It's modern but the materials chosen reflect the Edwardian materials of other houses.
"For me there's confusion about what a conservation areas is, the circular guide is it's not a "pickling process"."
But planning committee member Adrian Robson put forward a motion to have the application deferred for refusal based on a policy from the old local plan. He said:
"This application does not sit comfortably with me at all. It does not enhance the conservation area"
Planning committee member Cathy Pearcy said:
"The design of these houses is absolutely appalling. I'm not against modern design but I don't think this design in an established old area of Whitchurch will sit comfortably. This is a lovely church yard and a haven of peace. This needs to go back and be thought through again."
This position was supported by councillors Bowden and Parry and an overall vote left the application deferred for refusal.
Other planning decisions
A site visit is planned for the application to build a Sainsbury's Local on the site of the Carpenters Arms in Llanrumney. The site visit will take place on 6 September.
Read our previous posts from the planning committee here and here. You can also submit your questions to Cardiff Council's planning department here.
