MORGANSTOWN residents are opposing plans for four houses to be built at the rear of Springfield Gardens.
Since December, when Daniel Adams of Edge Estates Ltd applied for planing permission, 100 people have signed a petition objecting to the proposal.
Mr Adams wants to build the homes in a dip at the bottom of the slopes going down from Teamans Row, Springfield Gardens and Ravensbrook.
John Trefor, who lives in Teamans Row, said: “I moved to live in Morganstown almost exactly 30 years ago, and I love living here. The village retains the real sense of a traditional community.
“Neighbours here know each other, and the homes we live in are typically modest affairs. However, someone’s bought land in Springfield Gardens, and intends to build four two-storeyed, four-bedroomed houses on it, smother it with tarmac to link them and destroy a precious woodland garden which is home to a variety of trees, flowers, birds and insects.
“What’s being proposed is utterly incongruous architecturally. It’s wrong for the people of this community and it’s wrong for the wildlife. It’s wrong for Cardiff. It’s wrong.”
Many drivers already park on Springfield Gardens
Locals are also worried that the houses will be too close to properties at Teamans Row.
There is often very little room to turn cars at the top of Springfield Gardens. Residents say big lorries and refuse trucks already struggle to turn in the area because so many cars park there.
About 60 residents attended a meeting at Radyr Library organised by Councillor Roderick McKerlich to discuss the plans.
Lorries and refuse trucks find it difficult to turn in the area, say residents.
“I object to the proposal on the grounds of over-development. The original building is subservient to the proposed development and planned access is inadequate,” said Coun McKerlich.
“I am also concerned that the proposed access will go very close to the existing house at 30 Springfield Gardens, and the neighbouring house at 26 Springfield Gardens. This will be an invasion of privacy and intrusive, with cars on headlights returning late at night.
“Springfield Gardens is very narrow and is already home to many parked cars. Further development, with several cars exiting on to Springfield Gardens will exacerbate existing severe access issues and make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get to the area.”
