Planners feel force of people power...
CAMPIAGNING residents are delighted a decision over a controversial housing development in their area has been delayed. Cardiff council decided to grant a site visit for planning committee members to see Pethybridge Road Ely, Cardiff. Where there are plans to build 60 new homes on open land. Residents and members of the Ely Garden Villagers protest group held a second demonstration opposing the plans yesterday outside city hall. More than 1,400 residents have already signed a petition objecting to the development. Tay Godfrey, Spokeswoman for Ely Garden Villagers, said the visit would give residents a further opportunity to express their views. She said,” We are delighted that there will be a site visit because we think the planning officer will be able to see the site for himself. “I think we have got this visit because of the pressure we have put on the council. “We will now continue with our petitions, public meetings and demonstrations. “However, we would like to add that we do not want any Ely councillors to represent us at the site visit because we do not feel they have represented us up to now” An officer at the planning committee meeting yesterday said the Pethybridge Road development would be considered along with another development, on nearby Snowden Road, where there are plans to build a further 250 homes. Councillor Brian Finn, who represents the Ely ward, said the site meeting was a step in the right direction. He said, “I believe that with a development of this size, it is only right that the planning committee gets a chance to see the site themselves. “I ,am also happy that the two sites of Snowden Road and Pethybridge Road are going to be dealt with together as they are inextricably linked. The site visits to Pethybridge Road and Snowden Road, Ely, Cardiff, are scheduled for January 7th.
Protesters aiming to have a stronger voice
Abby Alford
Chief Reporter
CAMPAIGNERS from three groups have joined forces in a bid to save green open spaces for future generations.
Cardiff's Heath Residents' Association, the Rumney Recreation and Eastern Leisure Centre Action Group (Rreel) and the Ely Garden Villagers will use their combined strength to fight for parkland across the city.
Don Taylor, chairman of Rreel, which opposes Cardiff council plans to demolish the Eastern Leisure Centre and replace it with a community school -something the group fears will eat up valued recreation fields - said: "Our motto will be: What can't be done alone, can be done together. By uniting, we will have a much stronger voice.
"We want to keep our green spaces. But we are not fighting for ourselves, we're fighting for future generations.
"We don't want to be looking back in 20 years' time and think, whatever happened to this park or that park?"
He added: "I am not a 'Swampy'character that goes up trees. I am just incensed that they want to build on our park."
Cardiff council has moved to reassure worried Rumney and Llanrum-ney residents that open space will be maintained, but 8,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, which could t>e implemented under the schools reorganisation programme.
Ron Page, of the Heath Residents' Association, which opposed the development of Cardiff council offices on Heath Park, said: "This is the thin end of the wedge. All across Cardiff we are losing open spaces and parks and once they have gone, they will not be replaced.
"There may be some little bits of greenery left on estates, but unless we are careful, all our parks will disappear."
PROTEST The Ely Garden Villagers’ group staging
A protest outside City hall Cardiff
The Ely Garden Villagers have been protesting against Cardiff council's plans to build 250 homes in Snowden Road and a further 60 new houses on land at Pethybridge Road.
They say the schemes will take away the open space their children play on.
"We are pleased to join forces with other groups fighting to save community open spaces in Cardiff," said a spokeswoman.
Demonstrators delighted as homes scheme is delayed
Smaller? “The open space is very important to us. Dog walkers and joggers use it. Children play sports there all the time and we don’t want this taken away from us.” Lynda Sullivcan, 43, of Llewellyn Avenue, Ely, said: “The doctors won’t take anyone else, there’s an 18th month waiting list for parents to get their children to nursery. How is our community going to cope with more people?” And youngsters are so angry with the lack of consultation they have made a DVD voicing their opinions. Heather Baker, 19, one of the youngsters who took part, said, “No young people have been consulted about theses plans. The exhibition was held during school hours so none of us could attend. “All we will be left with is one football pitch and that’s not enough.” Ely councillor Brian Finn strongly refuted claims there was lack of consultation. “Every resident affected in the area had a letter. Several mobile vans were placed in North Ely last January and it was publicised by the Echo and on the council website. “Ely councillors have been accused over a long period of time that our stock is in a bad state of repair and that is total nonsense,” he said, “I have dealt with hundreds of cases over the years. “We cannot go knocking on 3,000 doors monthly. Our telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are widely publicised and we hold regular surgeries. A planning application report for the Pethybridge Site recommends the development should be improved. The documents states “In conclusion, it is considered the proposal has the potential to result in beneficial use being made of land which at present contributes little to the quality of life of residents in one of the more deprived parts of Cardiff. “The development will also support the ongoing initiatives to regenerate Ely.” The planning committee will meet at 2.30 on Wednesday, at City Hall, to decide the fate of Pethybridge Road development and will meet early next year to discuss the Snowden Road development.
Matthew Aplin
MORE than 1,400 residents have objected to plans to build houses on open space" on their estate.
Residents of North Ely, Cardiff, have signed a petition objecting to Cardiff council's plans to build 250 homes in Snowden Road and a further 60 new dwellings on land at Pethybridge Road.
And at a demonstration on the Pethybridge Road site yesterday, residents and members of the Ely Garden Villagers protest group vowed to fight the council all the way.
Residents say building new houses in the area will not solve problems in the community and that taking away the open space will mean their children have no place to play.
Tay Godfrey, 49, who lives in Gtyndwr Road, Ely, said: "They say this new development was to make the recreational area better but how can that be when it's making the area
Residents protest at the plans to build homes
