Concerns Over ‘Concrete Jungle’ as Tower Block Plans Move Ahead in Cardiff
Plans to demolish a long-empty warehouse and make way for two significant tower blocks in central Cardiff have generated both optimism and worries among local residents, planners and councillors. The proposals, which would see the vacant Asset House on Penarth Road replaced by two purpose-built co-living apartment structures, were praised at a recent Cardiff Council planning committee meeting for their use of a brownfield site, yet also attracted criticism over size, design and potential impact on the city’s character.
Asset House, a warehouse that has stood unused for years, is set to make way for the new development if planning permission is granted. Councillors gathered on 3 July to hear the proposal for twin blocks—one rising to six storeys and the other to thirteen—that would jointly create 182 co-living apartments. The case marks a first for Wales, as these would be the inaugural buildings specifically designed for co-living.
Despite some enthusiasm for regenerating a neglected spot, the committee acknowledged several potential pitfalls. Councillor Peter Wong described the design as “nice, simple, inoffensive”, and appreciated the efficiency of employing a long-derelict site. However, he voiced frustration at the project’s delivery of only 75% of the council’s requirement for cycle storage, and flagged the diminutive nature of units, suggesting the buildings would essentially function as high-rise houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Planners explained that co-living accommodations are generally smaller than conventional flats, offset by the provision of shared amenities. Nonetheless, there was concern regarding the compliance of these space standards with current policy. Councillor Emma Reid Jones supported the principle of regenerating Penarth Road, observing that the area is overdue for investment, but questioned whether such projects truly align with both Welsh Government priorities and local planning frameworks.
The proposals have struck a chord with members of the public, many of whom commented online to express frustration over the apparent rush to construct ever more high-rise flats in the capital. Some respondents, such as Fleetfoot, suggested the council should withhold approval until the schemes comply more closely with planning standards, and recommended bringing financial pressure to bear on the owners by levying business rates on empty commercial premises.
Other contributors highlighted their scepticism about developers’ motives. Jabhigh argued that profit, not community benefit, drives such schemes and called for councillors to act as safeguards for quality and suitability. Commenters like Tobart lamented the perceived monotony of new apartment buildings in Cardiff, criticising them as bland and lacking architectural imagination, with their presence allegedly contributing to wind tunnels and a loss of sunlight for neighbouring streets.
The sharp increase in such developments has not gone unnoticed by those living around Penarth Road. Rhiannon M Jones described the sustained period of building work in the area, pointing to upheaval from recent projects elsewhere on the street. The cumulative effect, she claims, has left many residents longing for respite from further transformation.
Mark Curtis raised broader concerns about the changing face of the city, pondering the cost and source of funds needed for so much demolition and construction. He echoed the sentiment that Cardiff risks losing its unique architectural heritage, becoming ‘a concrete jungle’. Likewise, Darren Lloyd lamented what he sees as decades of unattractive buildings eroding the city’s distinctiveness.
While some local voices support the need for additional housing—particularly as demand for accommodation intensifies—there remains strong debate about the suitability and desirability of high-rise co-living. Critics often cite the proliferation of student flats and the possibility that these schemes could ultimately be repurposed, bypassing conditions such as affordable housing contributions and adding pressure to already stretched local services.
As Cardiff navigates a period of change and development, the future of Penarth Road and similar districts remains a contentious and important question for residents, officials and planners alike. The discussion around these tower blocks serves as a microcosm of the struggles facing growing cities across the UK: how to balance regeneration, housing need and the preservation of urban character without alienating the very communities that call these places home.