The owners of the Red Balloon Nursery in east Llanedeyrn have submitted a proposal to Cardiff Council to convert the vacant premises into a nine-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). The plans have drawn objections from local residents and a councillor.
Nursery closure due to financial pressures
Planning documents explain the nursery became financially unsustainable. "In recent years the childcare sector has undergone notable shifts including reduced enrolment levels, increased operational costs, and wider changes in working patterns that have affected occupancy rates," the documents state. "The owners have experienced a gradual but consistent downturn in the performance of the nursery business, ultimately rendering it financially unsustainable. Despite efforts to maintain operations the decision has been taken to cease the use, leaving the building at risk of vacancy and deterioration if an alternative use is not secured."
The application argues that repurposing the building preserves its presence and enhances its contribution to the local area. "Rather than allowing the site to become redundant, the scheme seeks to repurpose the building in a manner that both preserves its physical presence and enhances its contribution to the local area," it states.
Objections from residents and councillor
A local resident objected, raising safety concerns due to the proximity of two primary schools and a secondary school. "The proposed HMO is located in very close proximity to two primary schools and a secondary school. This area experiences a high volume of pedestrian activity, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, with large numbers of children and young people travelling to and from school each day," the objection reads. "I am concerned that the change of use to a HMO is not appropriate in such a sensitive location. The site sits within an area that is heavily used by families and school-aged children and the proposal raises concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children who regularly use the surrounding streets and footpaths."
Other objections question the size of the property for nine bedrooms and the impact on parking.
Pentwyn ward councillor Dan Naughton also objected, citing concerns about bin storage and collection. "I would like to make my objection to this application based on concerns around bin storage and collection in a house of nine people; no space for bin storage could lead to issues around collections," he said.
The applicant responded by stating that "dedicated communal" refuse storage has been placed to "allow convenient access while minimising visual impact."
Applicant cites housing need
The planning documents argue the HMO meets a demand for affordable accommodation. "The proposed HMO use responds directly to an identified housing need. Cardiff continues to experience strong demand for flexible and affordable accommodation, particularly for young professionals and individuals seeking shared living arrangements," they state.
According to the application, the external character of the property will remain unchanged, with works primarily indoors. "The accommodation has been carefully planned to ensure that each bedroom is of an appropriate size and benefits from adequate outlook and light. The inclusion of ensuite facilities within parts of the scheme further enhances the quality of accommodation and aligns with modern expectations for shared housing," it states.
