Nearly 900 people have signed a petition to try to stop a Cardiff coffee shop being turned into an apartment. In June, plans emerged to turn the Coffee Plus coffee shop in Cyncoed into a two-bedroom apartment.
No decision has yet been made on the planning application submitted to Cardiff council. The owner of the coffee shop has now started a petition in the hope she can fight against the plans, which were submitted by the landlord.
At the time of writing, the petition has 884 signatures in support of keeping the coffee shop in Cyncoed.
Owner's plea to preserve community hub
Teresa Moriarty, owner of the coffee shop, said: “Coffee shops like mine are more than just places to grab a quick cup of coffee. They are vital parts of community life, spaces where people connect, relax, and enjoy a sense of belonging.
“Conversion into residential spaces may offer short-term financial gain, but it dismisses the irreplaceable social value these spaces provide. Our coffee shop has hosted countless local events, supported neighbourhood initiatives, and provided a safe and welcoming environment for all.
“The transformation of our shop into a residential apartment poses a significant loss not just to me personally, but to every patron who has made this shop a part of their daily life. Such a change disregards the community’s need for accessible, family-friendly places to congregate and sustain our local culture.
“Furthermore, the economic implications go beyond my personal loss, small businesses add vibrancy and diversity to our urban landscapes and are essential to local economies, providing jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.”
Public comments on the application
Ms Moriarty also said that she had “poured [her] heart and soul” into the coffee shop, which she called a “beloved community hub”. “This shift would not only strip me of my livelihood but also rob our community of a cherished gathering spot,” she said.
Attached to the planning application are 22 public comments, with 19 of them objecting to and three supporting the proposal.
One letter of support reads: “As a local resident I have seen this property used as a family business for many years before its more recent use as a coffee shop.
“Whilst there is no disputing it is a popular meeting spot, it is inevitable that use of such premises will change as existing leases finish and new ones are created.
“A lot of customers access the coffee shop by car adding to an existing shortage of parking by residents using the other shops and dentist. Its return to a residential property would help with congestion in this area.
“There is another coffee shop, church, pub and community hub in the immediate vicinity, as well as an existing coffee shop and new coffee shop opening shortly in Cyncoed. Other community spaces and local coffee shops are also available a short distance away in Roath Park, Llanishen and at the Reservoir.”
