This week in Cardiff:

Council Prepares for Future Councillors with Induction Programme and IT Refresh

The Democratic Services Committee met on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to discuss crucial preparations for the next wave of elected members. The committee reviewed an updated draft of the Member Induction Programme for 2027 and considered a significant refresh of councillors' IT equipment. These decisions are vital for ensuring that both new and returning councillors are well-equipped to serve the public effectively from the outset.

Equipping Future Councillors: A Comprehensive Induction

The Updated Draft Outline Member Induction Programme 2027 aims to provide a robust foundation for councillors following the 2027 Local Government Elections. The proposed programme includes a Marketplace event to connect councillors with council services, sessions on Corporate Parenting to highlight the council's responsibilities towards children in care, and mandatory modules on safeguarding. This focus on safeguarding is particularly important for protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring councillors understand their role in upholding these critical standards. The programme also includes essential training on council constitution and committee procedures, empowering councillors to navigate the complexities of local governance.

A Digital Upgrade for Elected Members

Anticipating the needs of councillors, the committee also discussed a comprehensive refresh of ICT equipment. This includes providing new laptops, wireless headsets, and smartphones or e-sims. The report highlighted issues with existing equipment, underscoring the need for an upgrade to ensure councillors can efficiently access information, communicate with constituents, and carry out their duties. Plans also include new PCs and hubs for key users and common work areas, alongside optional equipment for home offices. This investment in technology is essential for modern local government, enabling councillors to stay connected and responsive.

The committee also received an update on the progress of the Scrutiny Peer Performance Assessment Action Plan and a review of Democratic Services' activities and support. The Forward Work Programme for the committee was also considered, outlining future discussions on these important governance matters.

View the Democratic Services Committee meeting details here

Planning Committee Refuses Bungalow Development and Approves Listed Building Works

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, making decisions on two key applications that will shape local neighbourhoods. The committee refused planning permission for a proposed bungalow in Fairwater, citing concerns about overdevelopment and impact on the street scene. In contrast, listed building consent was granted for alterations to a former church in Roath, though full planning permission for extensions was refused due to the impact on a neighbouring property.

Fairwater Bungalow Refused Amidst Overdevelopment and Infrastructure Concerns

An application for a bungalow on land adjacent to 1 Whitland Close, Fairwater, was refused by the committee. The decision was based on three primary reasons:

• Overdevelopment and Character Impact: The proposed bungalow was deemed an overdevelopment of a constrained plot, disrupting the established character and spacing of the street. This was seen as an unacceptable town-cramming effect.
• Infrastructure Impact: Concerns were raised about the development's proximity to a public sewer and water main, with insufficient information provided to ensure the infrastructure's operation would not be compromised.
• Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure: The application lacked adequate information to demonstrate how it would maintain or enhance biodiversity, particularly given the loss of existing garden vegetation.

A petition with 50 signatories objecting to the proposal highlighted concerns about access, safety, parking, and refuse collection. Residents voiced worries about the impact on emergency vehicle access in the narrow cul-de-sac.

Rainbow Bargain Limited: Listed Building Consent Granted, Planning Permission Refused

The committee considered two applications for Rainbow Bargain Limited on Bangor Street, Roath. While listed building consent was granted for works to the Grade II listed former church, full planning permission for extensions and alterations was refused.

The refusal of planning permission was due to the unacceptably overbearing and unneighbourly impact of a proposed northern extension on the side windows of an adjacent property. This decision directly addresses the concerns of neighbours regarding their amenities and privacy, aligning with Policy KP5 of the adopted Local Development Plan 2016.

However, listed building consent was granted because the impacts on the neighbouring property are not material considerations for a listed building consent application. The council's heritage officers found no objections to the proposals in terms of their impact on the listed building itself. This decision highlights the distinct considerations for planning permission and listed building consent, where the focus shifts from neighbour amenity to the preservation of heritage assets.

The committee also noted updates on planning appeal decisions and applications decided by delegated powers.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here

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

The Public Protection Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The agenda for this meeting focused on matters concerning Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles. While the full details of the discussions and any decisions made are not yet publicly available due to the meeting's information status being PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, these meetings are crucial for regulating the safety and accessibility of taxi services across the city.

Decisions made by this committee directly impact the safety, reliability, and cost of taxi and private hire services for all Cardiff residents. Ensuring that licensed vehicles and drivers meet stringent safety and conduct standards is paramount, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely on these services.

View the Public Protection Sub Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Late-Night Licence Applications for The Everest Bar and Chicking Spark Concerns Over Cumulative Impact

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, to consider two significant applications for premises licences that have raised concerns about their potential impact on local communities. The applications for The Everest Bar and Eatery and Chicking on Crwys Road highlight the ongoing challenge for the council in balancing business growth with the need to prevent crime, disorder, and public nuisance, particularly in areas already experiencing pressure from licensed premises.

The Everest Bar and Eatery: A Veteran's Vision Meets Police Objections

An application for a premises licence was submitted for The Everest Bar and Eatery, located at Unit 8, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA. The applicant, Dip Prasad Pun, a decorated British Army Ghurkha Veteran, aims to create a veteran's bar and restaurant. The proposed licence would permit the sale of alcohol for on and off-site consumption, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment, with operating hours extending to 00:30 on most nights.

However, the application faced objections from South Wales Police and the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer. The police cited concerns regarding the cumulative impact policy[^1] for the City Centre area, specifically objecting on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance. They pointed to previous formal actions taken against the applicant for licence breaches. The Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer echoed these concerns, stating the application did not sufficiently demonstrate it would not negatively impact licensing objectives within the Cumulative Impact Zone. While the applicant agreed to conditions proposed by Pollution Control, leading to the withdrawal of that representation, the core objections from the police and enforcement officer remain significant.

Chicking, Crwys Road: Late Hours and Local Opposition

The committee also considered an application for Chicking Cardiff, at 132 Crwys Road, Cathays, CF24 4NR. J&SK Enterprises Limited applied for a licence for late-night refreshment (indoors) from 11:00 to 03:00 daily for the ground-floor restaurant and takeaway.

This application also attracted representations from South Wales Police, Pollution Control, Licensing Enforcement, and a local ward Councillor. South Wales Police objected due to concerns about crime and disorder and public nuisance, noting the high levels of alcohol-related issues in the area. They proposed conditions that, if met, would lead to their objection being withdrawn. Pollution Control's representation was withdrawn after the applicant agreed to proposed conditions.

Licensing Enforcement objected, citing the applicant's alleged disregard for licensing laws and previous breaches. Crucially, Councillor Norma Mackie, on behalf of herself and other local councillors, also objected. Her concerns centred on the cumulative impact of another fast-food outlet operating until 3:00 am on Crwys Road, an area already grappling with issues of noise, crime, and anti-social behaviour. This highlights the direct impact such decisions can have on the daily lives and safety of residents in the Cathays area.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

This week in Cardiff:

Holmesdale Fish Bar Licence Application Sparks Debate Over Late-Night Operations

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, to consider a contentious application for a premises licence for Holmesdale Fish Bar, located at 66 Holmesdale Street, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF11 7BU. The application, submitted by Akshay Patel and Kashyap Pansuriya, sought permission for late-night refreshment and the sale of alcohol, with proposed operating hours extending until 2:00 am. This decision has significant implications for residents in a predominantly residential area, raising concerns about public nuisance.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Noise and Disruption

The core of the debate centred on the potential for public nuisance. Pollution Control and several local residents submitted objections, primarily focusing on the proposed late operating hours. Concerns were raised about potential noise from delivery drivers, congregating customers, and cooking odours, particularly in a neighbourhood where many families reside.

While the applicants agreed to several conditions, including the premises not being open to the public for walk-in customers after 11:00 pm and late-night refreshment being delivery-only after 10:00 pm, the fundamental issue of late-night activity remained a point of contention. Some objectors suggested that areas already designated for commercial late-night operations, such as Corporation Road, might be more suitable for such an establishment.

South Wales Police initially submitted a representation but later withdrew it after the applicant agreed to proposed amendments and conditions, including the installation of CCTV and staff training. However, the concerns raised by Pollution Control and residents highlight the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and protecting the quality of life for its residents.

The committee was tasked with determining whether to grant the application, modify the licence conditions, or reject it, all with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Upcoming Licensing Sub Committee Meetings

The Licensing Sub Committee is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The agenda includes applications for new premises licences for The Everest Bar and Eatery and Chicking on Crwys Road. Both applications have attracted significant representations from South Wales Police and the Licensing Authority, raising concerns about potential impacts on licensing objectives, particularly in areas already subject to a Cumulative Impact Assessment¹.

The application for The Everest Bar and Eatery, proposed by Dip Prasad Pun, a decorated British Army Ghurkha Veteran, aims to create a venue for veterans and their families. However, concerns have been raised by South Wales Police regarding the applicant's history and the potential for the venue to contribute to crime and disorder.

Similarly, the application for Chicking, Crwys Road, has faced objections from South Wales Police, the Licensing Enforcement Officer, and local ward councillors. Concerns centre on the proposed late operating hours until 3:00 am and the potential for increased noise, crime, and anti-social behaviour in an area already saturated with licensed premises.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Under Scrutiny as Public Protection Sub Committee Meets

The Public Protection Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, to consider matters relating to Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles. While the full details of the discussions and any decisions made are not yet publicly available due to the meeting's information status being PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION¹, these meetings are vital for regulating the safety and accessibility of taxi services across the city.

What's at Stake for Passengers?

Decisions made by the Public Protection Sub Committee directly impact the safety, reliability, and cost of taxi and private hire services for all Cardiff residents. This includes everything from the licensing of drivers and vehicles to setting standards for their operation. For vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, or those travelling late at night, these services are often essential. Ensuring that licensed vehicles and drivers meet stringent safety and conduct standards is paramount to their well-being and ability to navigate the city independently.

The agenda indicated that the committee was scheduled to discuss Hackney Carriage and Private Hire matters. This could encompass a range of issues, from reviewing new applications and renewals to addressing complaints or policy changes that affect the taxi trade. Without the published minutes, it's impossible to know the specifics of what was discussed or decided, but the focus on these licensed vehicles underscores their importance in the city's transport network.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Grace Ferguson-Thorne, with Councillors Sean Driscoll and Peter Huw Jenkins also in attendance. Harry Mayo was listed as a contact person for inquiries.

View the Public Protection Sub Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Upcoming Licensing Sub Committee Meetings

The Licensing Sub Committee is scheduled to meet twice in the coming week. On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the committee will convene, though the specific agenda items are not yet detailed. Following this, on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, the committee will consider a premises licence application for Holmesdale Fish Bar. This application has generated significant interest, with representations received from South Wales Police, Pollution Control, and local residents. Concerns raised primarily focus on the prevention of public nuisance, including potential noise from delivery drivers and customers, waste management, and cooking odours, particularly given the premises' location in a predominantly residential area. The committee will weigh these concerns against the licensing objectives, which aim to ensure public safety and prevent crime and disorder.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here