The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to discuss several development applications. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for the temporary use of Blackweir Fields for live events for a period of six years, the approval of a 33-storey co-living development on land bound by Custom House Street, Bute Street and Hope Street, and the construction of two new pedestrian and cycle bridges across the River Taff.

Blackweir Fields Live Events Approved Despite Objections

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee granted planning permission for the temporary use of Blackweir Fields for live events, including concerts, for a period of up to 42 days per year until August 2031. The decision was made despite significant objections from residents and local groups concerning noise, traffic, environmental impact on the Grade I listed Bute Park, and the loss of public open space. While acknowledging these concerns, the committee ultimately decided that the economic and cultural benefits of the events, which attract large numbers of visitors to the city, outweighed the temporary and reversible harm. Conditions were imposed to manage noise, traffic, and ecological impacts, and to ensure robust site restoration and heritage protection. The committee also noted that the council, as the landowner, retains control over whether events proceed each year, regardless of the planning permission granted.

Co-Living Development Approved for Cathays Site

A 33-storey co-living development, comprising 400 units, was approved for land bound by Custom House Street, Bute Street, and Hope Street in Cathays. The development, which includes co-working spaces, a gym, and communal lounges, was deemed acceptable despite some concerns raised about the size of individual units and the distribution of communal amenity space. The committee noted that while the scheme did not fully meet aspirational standards for amenity space, it was considered acceptable in the absence of formal adopted guidance for co-living developments in Cardiff. The project will also contribute financially towards affordable housing, community facilities, and open space, though at a reduced level due to viability concerns.

New Bridges Approved to Enhance Connectivity

The committee approved the construction of two new pedestrian and cycle bridges across the River Taff. The first, the Central Quay Bridge, will connect Taffs Mead Embankment to the Central Quay development, providing a direct and attractive active travel link. The second bridge, located between The Marl and Hamadryad Park, will improve connectivity between Grangetown and Butetown, and enhance access to local schools and recreational areas. Both projects were praised for their design quality, contribution to active travel, and integration with regeneration plans. Concerns regarding flood risk for the Central Quay Bridge were deemed manageable, and ecological impacts for both bridges will be mitigated through stringent conditions.

Householder Applications and Other Developments

In addition to these major decisions, the committee also considered and approved numerous householder planning applications across various wards, including extensions, dormer conversions, and the installation of solar panels. Several applications for the discharge of conditions related to previously approved developments were also granted. A notable refusal was for a proposed change of use from a dwelling to a five-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 16 Mount Stuart Square, Cathays, and for a proposed agricultural barn in Radyr.

The meeting also noted applications decided by delegated powers and confirmed the date of the next meeting.