A Victorian mansion in Penarth left empty for years will be transformed into new housing.
Vale of Glamorgan Council’s planning committee recently approved plans to turn Gardenhurst into six apartments and allow the construction of three new homes on site.
The planned revival of the mansion was welcomed by councillors, including one representative for the local area who said it was a “shame” to see it disused since 2014.
Cllr Ian Johnson, who sits on the planning committee said: “After a decade of being in disuse, I believe that we should look forward to this site being regenerated.”
Cllr Mark Wilson, who represents the Stanwell ward, added: “The reality is, this is a site that’s been empty for quite some time now and really we need to make progress on it.”
The council originally asked the developers for a financial contribution of £264,730 for affordable housing.
However, a viability assessment later found that such a contribution would make the Gardenhurst project unviable.
Cllr Wilson said: “I am a bit disappointed about the lack of 106 funding for affordable housing, but we all know that cost of materials now is very expensive and these projects have got to financially [stand up] and I understand that.”
Another member of the planning committee, Cllr Anthony Ernest, raised concerns about the proposal to build three homes on the car park of Gardenhurst.
He also argued that congestion is already an existing issue on Marine Parade and Park Grove, but added that he supported the overall scheme.
Cllr Ernest, who represents the Plymouth ward for the Welsh Conservatives, said earlier this year: “I would very much like to see this outstanding property in the Penarth Conservation Area brought back into more beneficial use so that it can continue to be a prominent building in the Penarth Conservation Area.”
Council planners argued that the reduction in parking on site can be justified due to its close proximity to public transport and the town centre.
A council planning document adds: “Furthermore, the highway authority requested a parking survey to be conducted and the results of that survey highlight that there is sufficient on street availability to cater for any additional provision which may be required as part of the development if the internal parking area is saturated.”
Plans to change the use of the building to provide six new flats and three new houses were submitted in 2016.
However, several changes were made to the planning application over the years.
A separate planning application to turn Gardenhurst into flats was made in 2015, but this was eventually withdrawn.
Blackweir Live faces the music
Marie Curie garden fayre raises £4,200
Maintenance work to hit Vale train services
Cosmeston: council to seek 'placemaking' plans
Swimmer airlifted from sea off Nells Point
Police hunt Transit campervan thieves
Barry placemaking plan 'lacks clarity' - Plaid
'Real danger a Welsh university could collapse next year'
Cyclist dies after Grangetown collision
Aqua Park opponents to stage Senedd protest
Arts festival hosts talk on 'the real' Mr Burton
'Distressed' windsurfer 'floats to live'
Teachers and Staff awarded special recognition award following school fire
New efforts to revive The Kymin
Seven arrested over attempted drug smuggling
Volunteers needed in Barry to help the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal
Small Charity Week sparks call to strengthen Vale of Glamorgan's 198 charities
NCI St. Donats Bay unveils new Interactive Zone
