This week in Cardiff:

Licensing Decisions and Planning Debates: Key Council Meetings Address Local Concerns

Cardiff Council's Licensing Sub Committee and Planning Committee convened this week, tackling applications that directly impact local communities and the city's development. From personal licence applications to major construction projects, these meetings underscore the council's role in shaping our daily lives.

Personal Licence Application Raises Crime Prevention Questions

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, to consider an application for a personal licence. The applicant, Nishan Maan James Singh, had submitted all necessary documentation, but a criminal record check revealed a conviction history. South Wales Police raised an objection to the licence being granted, citing concerns that it could undermine the crime prevention objective, as outlined in the Licensing Act 2003.

The Sub-Committee had the power to either reject the application or grant it, based on whether it was deemed necessary for the promotion of the crime prevention objective. Decisions made in licensing can have a direct impact on public safety and the responsible operation of businesses within the city.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

Major Development Proposals on the Agenda for Planning Committee

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 04 June 2026, to discuss several significant development applications that could reshape parts of Cardiff. These included proposals for temporary event use at Blackweir Fields, a large co-living development in Cathays, and the construction of new bridges across the River Taff.

• Temporary Events at Blackweir Fields: The committee considered an application for temporary live events at Blackweir Fields. This proposal attracted numerous representations, with objectors raising concerns about environmental impacts, disruption to recreation, transport issues, and amenity impacts. Supporters highlighted potential economic benefits. The decision on this application could affect the use of a popular public space and the experience of nearby residents.

• Co-living Development in Cathays: A substantial application for a 33-storey co-living building comprising 400 units was on the agenda for land bound by Custom House Street, Bute Street, and Hope Street. This development has the potential to significantly alter the urban landscape and housing provision in the area. Internal consultees raised concerns about waste management and air quality, while external bodies like CADW raised no objections.

• New River Taff Bridges: Plans for two new foot and cycle bridges across the River Taff were also discussed. One bridge would connect Taffs Mead Embankment to the Central Quay development, and the other would link The Marl and Hamadryad Park. These projects are crucial for improving active travel connectivity and regeneration in the Grangetown and Butetown areas. However, concerns were raised by Natural Resources Wales regarding flood risk, and extensive ecological assessments were required.

• Householder Application in Rhiwbina: A planning application for a householder extension at 23 Charlotte Square, Rhiwbina, was also presented. This application was brought to the committee due to a request from a local councillor and a petition of objection, highlighting resident concerns about potential overdevelopment and impact on protected trees.

These planning decisions have a tangible impact on our neighbourhoods, influencing everything from traffic and noise levels to the character of our streets and the availability of housing.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Major Youth Services Strategy and ALN Expansion Approved: Investing in Cardiff's Future Generations

Cardiff Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, making significant decisions that will shape the future of youth services and support for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The A 5-Year Strategy For Youth Work In Cardiff was unanimously approved, aiming to provide a robust framework for supporting young people. Alongside this, the Cabinet agreed to publish statutory notices for a major expansion of ALN provision, creating 462 new specialist places.

A New Era for Youth Services

The approved Youth Services Strategy is hailed as sector-leading and focuses on six key pillars: participation and inclusion, strengthening the Welsh language offer, curriculum development and targeted support, safeguarding, workforce development, and partnership working. Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, emphasised the strategy's proactive approach, stating, we're looking to go out there and be much more proactive in meeting young people. The strategy's approval was met with broad support, though some councillors sought assurances on the continuation of specific provisions for groups like LGBTQ+ youth. Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, reassured members that the strategy aims to build upon existing partnerships and support all young people.

The strategy's impact is far-reaching, aiming to build community cohesion and young people's resilience. It acknowledges the challenges facing young people today, including uncertainty and the need for support to avoid falling into unemployment, education, or training. The strategy's success will be measured not just by service delivery but by its contribution to young people's overall well-being and future prospects.

View the Cabinet meeting details here

Crucial Expansion of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Provision

In a pivotal moment for supporting vulnerable learners, the Cabinet approved the publication of statutory notices for proposals to expand ALN provision. This ambitious plan will create 462 additional specialist places, including expansions in special schools and specialist resource bases within primary schools. Councillor Sarah Merry described the proposals as a pivotal moment in how the council supports learners with ALN, stressing the commitment to ensuring every learner receives the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

The expansion addresses a clear and growing demand for tailored education for children with complex learning needs, social communication difficulties, and emotional health and wellbeing challenges. The extensive consultation process saw over 80% approval across all categories, with families and professionals recognising the urgency and value of these proposals. Key expansions include new resource bases for autism/social communication needs at schools like Hywel Dda Primary School and Radnor Primary School, and significant capacity increases at special schools such as Tŷ Gwyn and Woodlands High School. This move is vital for ensuring that children with ALN receive the specialist support they need to thrive, preventing them from falling behind and ensuring equitable access to education.

View the Cabinet meeting details here

Regeneration Strategy Adopted: A Blueprint for a Fairer, Greener Cardiff

Cardiff Council's Cabinet also adopted the Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030 on Thursday, 28 May 2026. This comprehensive strategy outlines the council's vision for guiding investment and regeneration efforts across the city, with a strong emphasis on fairness, sustainability, and community involvement.

Building a Stronger, Fairer City

The strategy is built around seven key themes: Fair and Inclusive, Green City, Thriving Neighbourhoods, Strong and Prosperous Centres, Connected City, Climate Resilience, and City of Culture, Heritage and Sport. Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities (Community Hubs & Regeneration), highlighted its role in building a stronger, fairer and greener Cardiff, ensuring that growth is shared equitably. The strategy identifies priority neighbourhoods for placemaking plans, including areas like Adamsdown and Splott, and Butetown and Cardiff Bay, aiming to enhance the vitality of district and local centres.

This strategy is crucial for directing investment into communities that need it most, supporting local high streets, and creating neighbourhoods where residents can access opportunities and live well. It provides a practical tool for delivering change and securing external funding, ensuring that regeneration efforts are targeted and impactful. The extensive engagement process, involving hundreds of residents, partners, and stakeholders, has shaped the strategy to reflect the lived experiences of Cardiff's communities.

View the Cabinet meeting details here

Investment Zone Update: Progress and Calls for Enhanced Welsh Government Support

An update on the establishment of an Investment Zone in the Cardiff Capital Region was presented to the Cabinet on Thursday, 28 May 2026. The zone, focusing on advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, has reached the final assurance stage. Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, noted that while the proposal is progressing, the business rates retention rate in Wales (50%) is lower than in England (100%). He stressed the need to lobby the new Welsh Government for improved arrangements, a sentiment echoed by opposition councillors.

The Investment Zone aims to attract significant investment and create jobs, with key sites identified in Cardiff, including Cardiff Parkway and Cardiff South (encompassing Callaghan Square, Central Quay, and parts of Atlantic Wharf). The retention of business rates is intended to fund further development and growth within these zones. This initiative is vital for Cardiff's economic future, promising to boost key sectors and create employment opportunities. However, the disparity in business rates retention compared to England could hinder its full potential, underscoring the importance of advocating for a level playing field.

View the Cabinet meeting details here

Public Protection Sub Committee Meets on Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Matters

The Public Protection Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The primary item for discussion was Hackney Carriage and Private Hire matters. Due to the confidential nature of these discussions, the public was excluded from this part of the meeting. The report pack contained extensive information related to these matters, which are overseen by the Director of Governance & Legal Services & Monitoring Officer, D Marles. Decisions made in this area can directly affect the regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles, impacting both drivers and passengers in Cardiff.

View the Public Protection Sub Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

New Lord Mayor and Deputy Take Office as Council Sets its Course for the Year Ahead

Cardiff Council held its annual meeting on Thursday, 21 May 2026, marking a significant transition with the election of Councillor Michael Michael as the new Lord Mayor and Councillor Sue Lent as Deputy Lord Mayor. This ceremonial handover sets the tone for the municipal year, with the council also agreeing its committee structures and leadership for the coming twelve months.

A New Civic Year Begins

Councillor Michael Michael, a long-serving councillor representing Fairwater and Trowbridge wards, officially took on the role of Lord Mayor. Councillor Michael, who has a distinguished record in various cabinet roles and committee chairs, including Planning and Licensing, becomes the first Greek Cypriot to hold this esteemed position. His wife, Joyce, will serve as his consort.

Councillor Sue Lent was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor. Councillor Lent brings a wealth of experience, including a history of political activism and a background as a social worker, which she has championed throughout her council service.

Councillor Chris Weaver was elected as the Leader of the Council, outlining his commitment to continuing the stronger, fairer, greener agenda and fostering collaboration across political groups. The council also confirmed its Cabinet appointments and established its standing committees, ensuring a framework for decision-making and scrutiny for the year ahead.

The meeting also saw the approval of the council's programme of meetings and a revised Members' Code of Conduct, updated to align with the Equality Act 2010. This ensures that councillors' conduct reflects a commitment to equality and fairness for all residents.

Two notices of motion were passed: one calling for a clear, funded plan for a replacement University Hospital of Wales (UHW), and another endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and urging accelerated investment in clean energy.

View the Council meeting details here

Waste Management and Financial Outturn Reviewed by Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee

The Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to review the financial performance of the waste management contract and discuss future plans. The committee oversees waste management services for several local authorities, including Cardiff.

Contract Performance and Community Benefits

The committee received an update on the Prosiect Gwyrdd contract, which processes residual waste. In the 2025/26 period, 145,864 tonnes of waste were sent to the facility, a figure lower than projected. The contractor, Viridor, met all key performance targets, including a 100% recycling rate for Incinerator Bottom Ash and a 0.0% landfill target. The facility's R1 status, classifying it as a recovery facility, was confirmed, and it generated enough electricity to power 34,897 homes. The Prosiect Gwyrdd Community Benefits Fund awarded £49,947 to 33 community initiatives during the year, demonstrating a commitment to local impact beyond waste processing.

Financial Review and Sustainable Transport

The committee reviewed the draft Financial Annual Return for the year ending 31 March 2026. The financial outturn showed a gross expenditure underspend of £99,203, with a net underspend of £49,203 after accounting for a partner contribution rebate. The Joint Committee Reserve Account balance stood at £131,662.

A discussion on the JWA2 Sustainable Transport Plan focused on the transportation of waste to the Trident Park EfW facility. In 2025/26, there were 20,595 vehicle movements. The plan aims to formalise approved routes to divert vehicles away from residential areas and improve sustainable vehicle usage. This is crucial for minimising the impact of waste transport on communities, particularly concerning air quality and noise pollution.

View the Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee meeting details here

Public Protection Sub Committee Discusses Confidential Matters

The Public Protection Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was on Hackney Carriage and Private Hire matters, with a significant portion of the agenda being confidential.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Services

The committee was scheduled to consider matters relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire services. The details of these discussions were exempt from public publication, citing specific paragraphs of the Local Government Act 1972. This legislation allows for the exclusion of the public when sensitive information, such as personal details or commercial sensitivities, is being discussed. The outcome of these discussions could impact the licensing and regulation of taxis and private hire vehicles operating in Cardiff, affecting both drivers and passengers.

View the Public Protection Sub Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Friday, 22 May 2026. While the meeting details are pending publication, such committees typically consider applications for premises licences, personal licences, and other regulatory matters related to the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and entertainment. Decisions made by this committee can directly affect local businesses and the amenity of residential areas.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Age-Friendly Cardiff: Progress and Challenges in Supporting Older Residents

Cardiff Council's Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 11 May 2026, to review the progress of the Age-Friendly Cardiff Action Plan and discuss the development of a new Disability Friendly Strategy. The discussions highlighted significant achievements in supporting older residents, but also pointed to ongoing challenges, particularly concerning transport and public toilet provision.

Age-Friendly Cardiff Action Plan: Successes and Sticking Points

The committee received an update on the Age-Friendly Cardiff Action Plan, which has seen notable successes between January and June 2025. The Wellbeing Support Service reported over 18,000 attendances across 63 community activity groups, and a blood pressure monitor loan scheme has seen over 1,500 loans. Crucially, waiting times for carers' assessments have dramatically reduced, dropping from 330 to 52.

However, challenges persist. Loneliness, social connection, and isolation remain prevalent issues. Transport accessibility, particularly bus route frequency and connectivity, was a major concern raised by councillors. Councillor Peter Littlechild highlighted the lack of accessible hubs in areas like Pontprennau and Old St Mellons, impacting older people's ability to access services and social activities.

Public toilet provision was another recurring theme. Councillor Mary McGarry and Councillor Ali Ahmed advocated for increased funding, with the potential use of the visitor levy being discussed. Councillor Littlechild suggested exploring paid toilet kiosks as a past solution. The need for a comprehensive public toilet strategy, including 24-hour access and bidet facilities, was emphasised.

The committee also discussed the refresh of the Ageing Well Strategy, with key themes emerging from engagement including the priority of staying independent at home, tackling loneliness, and the importance of non-digital contact options.

New Disability Friendly Strategy: Addressing Physical and Sensory Needs

The committee engaged in policy development for a new Disability Friendly Strategy, focusing on physical disability and sensory loss. Statistics show that 23% of Cardiff's population identifies as disabled, with a projected 15.87% increase in people living with sight loss over the next decade.

A key discussion point was the proposed title of the strategy. Following initial engagement, Disability Friendly Strategy (Physical Disability & Sensory Loss) was suggested as more inclusive than the initially proposed Living Well with a Physical Disability Strategy.

Barriers faced by young deaf people, including limited communication access and interpreter shortages, were highlighted. The complexities surrounding blue badge access and the application process were also raised, with Councillor Oliver Owen sharing a personal experience that underscored the difficulties faced by carers.

The strategy aims to build on existing commitments to inclusion and equality, aligning with other council strategies such as those for learning disabilities and neurodivergence. The draft strategy is intended for Cabinet consideration by March 2027.

View the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Youth Services Strategy and Additional Learning Needs Provision Under Scrutiny

Cardiff Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, to scrutinise proposals for expanding Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision and the proposed Youth Services Strategy.

Expanding Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Provision

The committee reviewed the results of a consultation on proposals to extend and realign ALN provision across the city. The plans aim to create 462 additional specialist places, including expansions to four special schools and the establishment of nine new specialist resource bases (SRBs).

While the consultation received over 150 largely positive responses, questions were raised about the languages used for consultation materials and the geographical spread of responses. Officers explained that materials were translated into Arabic, Bengali, Polish, and Urdu, and that data analysis was mapped to show geographical spread. Concerns about future capital funding and the recruitment of teachers and teaching assistants were also discussed. The committee noted the importance of pupil views informing the design and refurbishment processes for larger schemes.

Youth Services Strategy: A Five-Year Vision

The committee also scrutinised the proposed five-year Youth Services Strategy, which goes beyond statutory requirements. Built on six pillars – participation and inclusion, strengthening the Welsh language offer, curriculum and targeted support, safeguarding, workforce development, and partnership working – the strategy prioritises young people's voices. Cardiff Youth Service is noted as sector-leading in online youth work.

Discussions covered the EE Youth Zone, youth probationary services, and the diversity of the youth worker workforce. The strategy aims to foster social, emotional, and educational growth, develop transferable skills, and ensure young people have a say in issues affecting them. The committee also reviewed the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26, with a request to ensure youth services and youth justice are adequately represented.

View the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Planning Committee Approves Waste Facility and Atlantic Wharf Variations

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday, 14 May 2026, to consider two significant planning applications. Permission was granted for a waste transfer facility in Cathays, despite resident objections, and variations to conditions for the Red Dragon Centre and County Hall site at Atlantic Wharf were approved.

Waste Transfer Facility at Wedal Road, Cathays

The committee granted planning permission for the reuse of the former Civic Amenity Site on Wedal Road, Cathays, as a waste transfer facility for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. This decision was made despite objections from local residents and ward councillors concerning noise, vibration, and potential impacts on residential amenity. The proposed facility will handle recyclable materials and will not process hazardous waste.

Officers highlighted that the proposed use is significantly less intensive than the site's previous operation as a civic amenity site. While acknowledging resident concerns, an amended Noise Impact Assessment concluded a low level of impact. Shared Regulatory Services raised no objections, subject to conditions. The committee voted to grant permission, with conditions including strengthening boundary treatment and ensuring a robust operational management plan developed in consultation with ward councillors and residents.

Atlantic Wharf Development: Phasing and Land Use Variations

The committee also approved variations to conditions for the Red Dragon Centre and County Hall site at Atlantic Wharf, Butetown. The application sought to amend the phasing plan, land use parameter plan, maximum height parameter plan, and design code requirements to facilitate the next phase of development, focusing on Area A, which includes the new County Hall and the Wales Millennium Centre Capella building.

The planning officer explained that the principle of development was already established, and the application aimed to adjust conditions for a revised phasing strategy. This will allow the new office for Cardiff Council and the WMC Capella building to be brought forward earlier. The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement and amended conditions.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here