The plans have led to a number of discussions by Cardiff Council’s planning committee
The new development site off Lower Cathedral road(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Part of a busy city centre street in Cardiff has been completely transformed as works on controversial plans to build flats and retail space get under-way.
The plans from Wales & West Housing for 81 new flats and commercial space on Cowbridge Road East were first approved by Cardiff Council’s planning committee in August of 2023.
The approval for the site based at the junction of Cathedral Road was given, though this was with a condition attached that meant the largest commercial unit would be sub-divided into no less than two units, with a maximum floorspace of 250sqm.
However, developers later applied to remove this planning condition so that a supermarket chain could move in to the commercial space below the new flats once completed.
This raised concerns with some local councillors who argued it would impact other local businesses that provided jobs and “culturally important meeting places”.
Work is now under-way at the site (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
It led to a further discussion by Cardiff Council’s planning committee in January 2025, where members decided to reject the amended application despite some arguing in favour of having a new supermarket in this part of the city.
Speaking at the planning committee at the time, Cllr Michael Michael said: “I have no issue with a large supermarket going there because it would serve the area.”
Riverside councillor, Cllr Leonora Thomson however argued that the area was “more suited to the independent provision of retail” and that having a supermarket would take away “potential for independent shops”.
The site located in the Riverside ward of Cardiff is based approximately 300m west of the city centre opposite the former Westgate public house.
Following the rejection of the amended condition, work on the site has begun with the eight former terraced buildings facing Cowbridge Road East being flattened as part of the construction.
Piles of rubble and construction vehicles now occupy the site near what is one of Cardiff’s busiest junctions.
While the previous application to alter the planning condition was rejected, a section of Cardiff Council’s planning portal shows that an appeal of the decision has been submitted and is currently in progress.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.