00:00Plans to extend a former church building in Roath have divided opinion locally.
00:05An application has been submitted to Cardiff Council to repair, alter and expand the former Roath Methodist Church on Wellfield
00:12Road,
00:13which currently operates as a discount store.
00:16The proposals include a two-storey cube-style extension, a new dormer, internal alterations and a new entrance.
00:24Some residents have objected, describing the modern extension as out of keeping with the original brick church and stained glass
00:31windows.
00:32One called it an incredibly ugly metal box and said it would detract from recent public realm improvements in the
00:38area.
00:39Others have backed the plans, saying the listed building is in visible decline and in need of investment.
00:44Supporters argue restoration would protect a local landmark and enhance nearby businesses.
00:50A decision will be taken by the council in due course.
00:53A major council housing development in Grangetown has reached another milestone.
00:58Cardiff Council and Waits Residential have marked a topping-off ceremony at Block A of the Channel View redevelopment,
01:05a construction tradition signalling the highest point of a building has been completed.
01:10The 15-storey block will provide 102 community living apartments for older residents,
01:16along with communal facilities, a rooftop terrace and a cafe.
01:20Council leader Hugh Thomas said the project represents significant progress in delivering new council housing,
01:27adding that the suspension of the Right to Buy scheme in 2019 has allowed the authority to invest for the
01:32long term.
01:33The wider regeneration is supported by Welsh Government social housing grant funding,
01:37alongside council borrowing.
01:39Block B, which will include 24 independent living apartments, is expected to be completed by the end of the year,
01:45with Block A due by the end of 2027.
01:49In Bridgend, a pilot scheme aimed at making rural roads safer for walkers, cyclists and horse riders is set to
01:56be introduced.
01:57At a full council meeting, members of Bridgend County Borough Council confirmed plans to trial designated quiet lanes in selected
02:05areas.
02:06The scheme could include signage and measures to encourage lower vehicle speeds,
02:11with locations to be determined by council officers in consultation with community councils and local access groups.
02:18Council has described the pilot as small-scale initially, with lessons to be learned before any wider rollout.
02:24And finally, new classrooms have been approved at Greenhill Special School in Riobina.
02:30Cardiff Council has granted permission for two port-a-cabin classrooms to meet what it describes as an urgent need
02:36for additional space
02:37for 16 extra pupils with special educational needs.
02:42The development will also include a kitchen, toilet and six additional teaching staff.
02:46According to the application, the modular buildings provide a flexible and sustainable solution,
02:51with minimal disruption to the site.
02:54Some small trees will be removed, but no parking spaces will be affected.
Comments