Cardiff Council has approved plans for a Bangladeshi community and teaching centre at 32 Splott Road, despite objections from some local residents.
The proposal will re-use a building currently partially occupied by the Bangladeshi Welfare Association. The structure will remain unchanged apart from the construction of a new extension.
Residents raise concerns over parking and noise
One objector said the proposal would result in additional vehicle movements, parking demand and pedestrian activity throughout the week, including weekends, when local residents should reasonably expect lower levels of traffic and disturbance.
“Parking is already a concern in the area, and I am concerned that increasing the number of days on which the centre operates will place further pressure on the limited parking available,” the objection said.
It added: “There are already concerns regarding antisocial behaviour in the surrounding area, and increasing the number of days on which the premises is occupied, as well as the number of people travelling to and from the site, could exacerbate these existing issues.”
Planning officer responds to objections
Another resident objected on the grounds that the proposal would increase noise in the area, “which is already really bad from Splott Road”.
They continued: “I want to be able to sit in my garden in peace which is backing onto Splott Road.”
In response, the planning officer for the application wrote that despite the number of comings and goings in the area, residents in an already mixed-use area cannot expect the same level of amenity as people in a wholly residential area.
Centre to operate with volunteers
South Wales Police were consulted on the antisocial behaviour concerns but did not raise any objections.
Teaching is expected at the centre during “normal office hours” on weekdays and at weekends. The centre will be staffed entirely by volunteers, and no additional employment will be created by the proposal.
The application states: “The aim of the project is to provide educational support, improve literacy, and offer children and young people opportunities to learn about their language, culture, and heritage while strengthening community cohesion.”
It adds that the facility will also continue to provide advice and support services for members of the local community.
