**Parent Outrage as School Drop-Off Access Blocked by Housing Developer in Cardiff**
A Cardiff primary school has become the centre of frustration for parents after a major housebuilder blocked off a lane routinely used for the school run. The unexpected closure, implemented for ongoing construction work, has left many struggling to find suitable parking to drop off their children at Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen.
Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen, which welcomed pupils to its new premises in the fast-growing Plasdwr housing development in 2023, finds itself at the heart of logistical frustrations. Since opening, parents have made regular use of a bus lane along Rhodfa Plasdwr – a lane not currently needed for any live bus routes – as an informal drop-off and pick-up area. However, with construction work pressing ahead on phase three of the estate, access to this lane has now been cordoned off by developer Barratt-Redrow.
The developer has cited health and safety concerns as the key reason for the closure, noting that a steady flow of heavy construction vehicles must pass through the area to support ongoing building activity. This decision has provoked significant concern among local families, many of whom are not within easy walking distance of the new school.
Jamie, a parent affected by the closure, explained the daily difficulties the situation has unleashed. “It’s just a bit frustrating that there’s not more parking,” he commented. Like many others, Jamie now finds himself parking in a nearby estate and walking the rest of the way with his child in tow. “I know they want to encourage us to walk, but for many of us that’s just not an option – and now we’re fighting over spaces where people live. I just feel bad, because the residents probably aren’t happy either.”
Previously, parents estimate that between 50 and 100 vehicles would utilise the stretch of bus lane during peak school hours. With those spaces suddenly gone, parents and carers are forced to search further afield or to arrive far earlier in order to secure a space, leading to heightened congestion in residential streets.
Reports also suggest that the developer’s commitment to maintaining clear times for delivery and construction vehicle access has not always been strictly observed. While Barratt-Redrow has stated that no construction deliveries should be made before 9:30am, lorries have nevertheless been seen in the vicinity as early as 9:00am, raising further concerns amongst residents.
One nearby resident, who lives on Heol Cynwrig, spoke of increasingly chaotic scenes around 3:00pm, when school ends and parents flock to collect children. “It feels like the whole area grinds to a halt and there’s just no space for vehicles to move,” he said. In a domino effect, the lack of parking is now prompting some parents to leave their cars on double yellow lines, effectively turning sections of the road into a single-lane thoroughfare.
These challenges are compounded by the ongoing ambition to deliver up to 7,000 new homes within Plasdwr. As the project’s third phase continues, local infrastructure – including roads and walkways – are being subjected to mounting pressures.
Barratt-Redrow’s project director, Wayne Rees, defended the decision. “Access to this short stretch of bus lane has been closed to prevent any unintended and uncontrolled parking of vehicles. This was done purely in the interest of health and safety, to reduce the likelihood of children and parents stepping into the road.” Rees encouraged families to make use of the new pedestrian footpaths provided throughout the development, which he said were laid with safety in mind.
However, for families unable to walk longer distances due to work schedules, young children, or mobility issues, the temporary closure of the drop-off lane poses a difficult dilemma. As works continue across the sprawling development, both the council and developer face mounting calls to consider interim solutions and better temporary parking provision for parents and carers during the construction period.
With Plasdwr transforming into a major new Cardiff neighbourhood, local residents and parents hope that lessons will be learnt, ensuring that future phases of the project more carefully balance the needs of construction with the day-to-day requirements of those living – and learning – in the area.