A Cardiff church hall on Harriet Street in Cathays is getting a makeover, turning into two six-bedroom HMOs. Cardiff Council gave the green light, but not everyone’s thrilled. Local councillors have voiced strong objections, worried about the potential for increased transient residency, impacts on community cohesion, and added pressure on local amenities.
The plans for the Welsh Evangelical Church include a two-storey extension and even a coffee shop kiosk, aiming to balance high-quality shared living with architectural charm. Supporters argue it’s a sensitive reuse of a redundant space, but councillors like Norma Mackie, Sarah Merry, and Chris Weaver aren’t convinced. They fear this change could disrupt community harmony with possible issues like anti-social behaviour and a denser population.
The council’s planning report, however, suggests no significant negative impact on land use, neighbouring amenities, or local character, seeing this development as a positive blend with Cardiff’s planning vision. What do you think – beneficial development or community challenge? Share your thoughts!