FLATS FURORE
INSIDE
p3 ‘Step too far?’
Residents’ anger at Taff Mead apartments p5 Veterans’ village
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ESIDENTS ON THE Taff Embankment are battling to stop a flats development they claim is out of character with the area. Developers Rightacres – behind much of the new city centre and Brain’s Brewery redevelopments – want to build 74 flats on the site of the old Track 2000 warehouse. Although the height has been reduced down to a maximum six storeys and the number of flats dropped by 12, residents are still unhappy about the height, traffic congestion and the Bottleworks building not blending in with Edwardian properties. A petition has been launched, with a deadline for objections set for December 13th. Residents say they are not opposed to any development – but want something smaller in scale and more in keeping. They have pointed to more modest developments on the old Inn on the River and FA Jones sites. Rightacres believe their plans are a “stepping stone” which “ticks boxes in respect of the
p7 Veggie winners sustainable and regeneration initiatives.” The number of parking places have been increased to 57, mostly in a basement carpark, Campaigners believe it could mean 148 extra vehicles using Pentre Gardens. They have dubbed the planned building “Bottleneck”. Local councillors Ashley Lister and Lynda Thorne have also expressed their concerns and attended a packed public meeting during an earlier consulation phase. But residents are unhappy the developers have refused a meeting since their final plans were submitted. “We’re not against change, but really feel that Grangetown is disappearing and being swallowed up by city centre developments, like Central Square which is now dominated by huge buildings, with more to be developed,” said long-time residents Annette and Edward Woodyatt. Another Jan Birch told us: “New housing in Grangetown should be family friendly. In Grangetown we have schools
and parks and play areas fit for kids and extended families, and they are all well used. The new development, as I understand it, is completely at odds with this.” With an eye to the forthcoming Central Quay brewery development, as far as the river bank opposite, many residents are expressing worries that this latest proposal is a step too far. “Grangetown has been historically separated by the natural boundary of the Taff,” said another resident, Simon Newman.
He worries that “mediocre” flats developments in the city centre were in danger of “creeping” across the river. He said the main front of the Bottleworks would look towards Central Quay “with which it evidently identifies.” He added: “In doing so, this development self consciously turns it’s back on the residential community upon which it is being imposed.” Residents will take their case to the planning committee in the New Year.
p8 Vegan vanguard
p14 Wrong number?
