The Pontoon - Grangemoor Court

Grangemoor court residents have contacted me recently about the pontoon for commercial boats which has been installed outside their houses. I made initial inquiries with the Harbour Authority, the Planning Department and various Corporate Directors. With the help of local residents, we agreed to have a meeting, which took place on the 2nd September. Below are the minutes (Thank you Bev for your help with these!).

Attending: Mr Simon Howell (Operational Manager – Harbour Authority); Mr Andy Bell (Harbour Master – Harbour Authority); Mr Paul Orders (Chief Strategy Officer – Cardiff County Council); Mr Norman Howlett (Planning and Regulatory Officer – Cardiff County Council); Francesca Montemaggi (Liberal Democrat Councillor for Grangetown); around 30 Grangemoor Court Residents.

9 apologies had been sent.

Meeting opened at 6pm and Simon Howell tried to give a bit of the background explaining how they had arrived at the decision to put the pontoon outside of Grangemoor Counrt properties. He explained the technical issues behind the decision. However, residents felt that the technical requirements alone did not justify the location of the pontoon.

Other issues were raised such as: loss of privacy; anti-social behaviour of boat operatives; boats' speed on the Ely; air pollution; noise; security; adverse impact on the environment, which includes the wild life, the erosion of the riverbank.

Mr Howell accepted that the Harbour Authority would have been wiser to consult residents. This had not been done as the proposal was "permitted development", thus did not require consultation or planning permission.

Councillor Montemaggi stood up and said that she had come to the meeting with an open mind but having heard the comments by both sides felt that the issue needs to be looked at in detail. She requested a full review of the situation by Mr Paul Orders followed by another meeting with the residents, for him and his team to outline his findings and the future plans.

She said: "In no other areas where 'permitted development' have been used, the impact of the development has been so great to residents. It is clear that this is a special case where 'permitted development' should have considered the views of local residents."

"I appreciate that there are technical issues behind the decision and that the decision was in accordance with the protocol and the law. However, development that impacts on residents needs to be assessed in any decision."

"I am requesting a review of the decision and alternatives to be looked at."

The areas that are to be reviewed are:

Background to this situation including consideration of alternative sites due to the issues raised below

a)Loss of Privacy
b)Environmental impact
c)Visual impact
d)Noise or disturbance issues
e)Fumes-air pollution
f)Possible future security issues
g)Possible parking issues

Clare Road Take-away Refused

The planning application for a take-away at No.12 Clare Road was refused.
Back in June, I received representations from local residents and I objected to the proposal.

There are already several take-away restaurants in the area. Another take-away would exacerbate the problems of litter and traffic. There is concern about the growing presence of take-aways in too close proximity of each other. I feel the proposal would have impacted adversely on the neighbourhood resulting in loss of amenity.

I am glad both officers and committee members recognised that the proposal would have had an adverse impact on the area.

Campaigning for parking permits for carers

I have spoken to some residents and care assistants who are finding difficult to park their cars in areas where there is residents' parking in place. I believe it is important that carers (those caring for their family and friends) and care assistants (from social services or external organisations) are allowed to park for a limited time period so that they can visit frail and elderly people.

I have asked the Highways Deparment to look at the possibility of having a special pass. As you may know, we are currently waiting for the 'Decriminalisation of Parking Enforcement', which means parking enforcement will be in the hands of the Council rather than the Police. In conjunction with that change, Highways have agreed to look into a possible scheme to allow carers and care assistants to have permits.

This is about a year away so I appreciate it doesn't solve the problem now, but I really hope we can find a solution in the future.

Residents' parking - Avana Bakery neighbourhood

This is just an update on the details of the scheme. As you know we finally got the scheme up and running after years of campaigning!

The scheme is designed to deter commuters from parking in the area all day long and leaving no space for residents to park their cars.

As a resident you are supposed to park your car in your street, however, if this is not possible you can park it in the nearest adjacent street within the zone. I understand some traffic wardens have been giving contradictory advice. However, this is the official advice I got from the officers, so in case of any problems, take it up and let me know.

Grange Gardens get the greenflag

Our lovely Grange Gardens park at the heart of Grangetown has been awarded the greenflag. The Green Flag Award was set up to recognise the best green spaces in the country. Each site is judged on its own merits and suitability to the community it serves.

This is great news for Grangetown and I’m really happy we achieved this. I hope this will bring more people to the park and make it more and more a place for all residents, young and old, families and youths.

As you may know, I’ve been working with the Police and the Parks’ department to ensure Grange Gardens is safe and any antisocial activity is dealt with speedily.

Dog fouling in Pentre Gardens

There is a long-standing problem of dog fouling in Pentre Gardens (by Pentre Street). I have reported it to the Council and asked for signs to be installed to alert dog owners that they need to clean after their dogs.

I was told that laminated signs are to be installed in the short term and that Authorised Officers will be visiting the site and issue any fixed penalties as appropriate.

Please contact me if this is not happening.

Antisocial behaviour in Grange Gardens

There has been an increase in antisocial behaviour around Grange Gardens. Some residents have contacted me a few months ago with their concerns.

I have worked with the Police and the Parks’ Department of the Council to resolve the situation. I have met with our new Sergeant for Grangetown, Sgt Snook, to ask for a stronger police presence. As a result, the Police are now working closely with Parks and are patrolling the area.

Following a request from the Police, I have asked for Grange Gardens park to be shut at 9.00pm to deter youths from using the grounds inappropriately. I have also requested a CCTV camera to help the Police identify the people responsible.

As I mentioned at the last PACT meeting, I know that this is an important issue that is affecting local residents in the proximity of the park. I don’t expect the problem to go away overnight, but I am confident in the work of the police.

Please report any incident to 101 (for non-emergencies only) or call 999 if the incident is ongoing.