**Demolition of Derelict Cardiff Pub to Pave Way for New Council Housing**
A once-thriving Cardiff pub that has stood empty for years is set to be demolished, making way for a development of much-needed council homes. Local representatives from Pentwyn have confirmed that work to dismantle The New Penn, which has been closed since 2020, will shortly commence, marking the end of an era for the neighbourhood and ushering in a significant new chapter.
Announced via social media by Pentwyn’s Liberal Democrat councillors, Joe Carter and Dan Naughton, preparations for the demolition are scheduled to get underway on Thursday, 26 June. The initial focus will be on safely removing an old oil tank located at the rear of the property, after which the main structure will be brought down. The finer details regarding the start of full-scale demolition are still being finalised by Lovells, the construction company tasked with the project.
Cardiff Council approved plans in April 2024 for the site to be transformed into an 11-property council housing development. According to documents prepared by Powell Dobson Architects on behalf of the council, the vision for the area includes a selection of two- and three-bedroom houses. The proposals also make provision for associated parking areas, landscaping, and the creation of a small public space for local residents to enjoy.
The move is an important response to community feedback received during the public consultation process. Many participants acknowledged the pressing demand for family housing locally, a sentiment reflected in council reports. Nevertheless, some concerns remain. Residents have drawn attention to the ongoing closure of Pentwyn Leisure Centre — a facility that was shuttered during the Covid-19 pandemic and has yet to reopen — arguing that recreational options for children and young people are already limited.
Parking arrangements and the possibility of the new scheme overlooking neighbouring homes have also been points of contention. One formal objection raised fears about the removal of a turnaround section of road that is currently used by vehicles accessing the area. Under the current plans, access to the new houses will be from Brynfedw, with the previous entry point from Circle Way West due to be closed. To accommodate household waste, a communal bin store is also set to be created next to the parking facilities.
Despite some reservations, there has been notable support for the project’s overarching goal: to provide new family homes and breathe life back into the derelict plot. Some feedback to the council even noted that the pub’s longstanding vacancy had contributed to crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, suggesting that redevelopment could be a positive step towards revitalising Pentwyn.
The redevelopment of The New Penn’s site marks a significant intervention by local authorities in response to housing needs in Cardiff. It is intended not only to address the shortage of affordable homes but also to improve the area’s overall environment, safety, and amenities.
Councillors Carter and Naughton highlighted the fact that, while there are practical matters to resolve before construction can begin in earnest, the project represents a key local investment. Residents are being kept informed through regular social media updates and are encouraged to share their views as the scheme progresses.
As the physical removal of The New Penn gets underway, the Pentwyn community stands on the brink of transformation. While memories of the pub will linger for some, many hope the shift towards purpose-built council housing will deliver long-term benefits for both new and existing residents. Cardiff Council and its partners will continue to monitor sentiment and ensure the project aligns with the evolving needs of the area.