By Nigel Roberts, Cardiff Parkway Developments
Since our update of July 2023 there have been several developments regarding our plans to develop the proposed Cardiff Parkway station and sustainable business district, which we are keen to update you on.
As you will likely be aware, in April 2022 Cardiff Council resolved to grant planning permission for the Cardiff Parkway project. However, later that year the Welsh Government decided to ‘call-in’ the council’s decision.
An initial public ‘call in’ hearing was coordinated by a planning inspector last summer. Building up to the hearing, we worked hard to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and to address any concerns that they had. This included establishing even more robust environmental mitigations and management plans, to ensure that Cardiff Parkway can deliver improved transport links, new jobs and economic opportunities, and protect important habitats in the area.
Subsequently, the Welsh Government amended some of its planning policy that is relevant to our plans. As a result, another planning hearing was held this week, where we again presented our case to a planning inspector. We cooperated fully with the hearing, and used the opportunity to demonstrate that Cardiff Parkway meets the requirements of Welsh Government policy.
This additional hearing has added further delay to the project, which we know will frustrate many local people who are keen that the Cardiff Parkway project can go ahead as soon as possible. We understand that frustration, but also know how important Cardiff Parkway is and understand that the Welsh Government wish to consider the project carefully before taking a decision.
Having cooperated with the planning process throughout, we are hopeful that a positive decision can be taken by Welsh Ministers as soon as possible.
We truly believe that, despite delays, Cardiff Parkway will be a transformative development for East Cardiff, the Cardiff Capital Region and South Wales. It will enable the creation of new high quality jobs as well as opening up access to new facilities for local people.
The importance of Cardiff Parkway has been recognised in the media in recent weeks, with news about the project in the BBC, ITV, Wales Online and more.
Cardiff Parkway will bring better connectivity, new jobs and investment to South Wales. It will take time to deliver, but it is worth doing, and we remain committed to seeing the project through. We hope to be able to provide additional updates in the weeks and months to come as the project continues to progress, and we thank you for your continued support.
Mae copi o’r diweddariad hwn yn Gymraeg ar gael ar gais.