Cardiff Council has granted planning permission for the former Ely housing office on Grand Avenue to be transformed into a supported living apartment complex. Developer Wates Residential, operating as part of the Cardiff Living programme, will build 11 flats on the site.
Councillor praises scheme
Councillor Sean Driscoll described the proposal as a “great use of the building” and added that “overall, it’s a really nice scheme”.
Design approach
Planning documents explain the design evolved from typical residential architecture to a “traditional contemporary” vision. The materials chosen include brick and slate to give a domestic feel. The documents state: “From the outset, it was clear that a minimal quality palette of materials would convey a sense of familiarity and home comfort for the future tenants, by providing homes with traditional materials in a modern contemporary logical appearance.”
All apartments will be accessed from a main communal entrance. The development will also feature a communal garden, other communal areas, staff sleeping quarters, and eight parking spaces.
Accessibility and safety
Each apartment has been designed to meet the housing needs of clients, including fully accessible units and “Jack ‘n’ Jill” overnight carer bedroom facilities. The layout of the dwellings ensures that car parking areas and footpaths benefit from natural surveillance, contributing to the safety of public spaces and routes.
