New nursery to open in Cardiff despite traffic and noise concerns

The plans have caused some controversy in the local community, with one person saying the nursery will result in an ‘increase in traffic at peak times of day’ and pose a risk to ‘passing schoolchildren and other pedestrians’

A lakeside Cardiff care home in an affluent neighbourhood is set to become a nursery despite opposition from neighbours. Peter Reynolds (Acorns) Limited has been granted permission to carry out a significant extension and refurbishment of Cartref Care Home, near Roath Park, to transform the building into a new nursery.

Planning documents read: “The proposed daycare nursery will provide the opportunity to fully restore the existing property whilst retaining the existing key features and layouts of the property.

“The provision of day care nursery facilities is in great demand in the locality and the proposed nursery at 88-90 Lake Road East will be undertaken by Acorn Nurseries who have a proven track record in providing high-quality facilities in the Cardiff and south Wales area.” Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

The plans also say that the nursery will provide a “sustainable facility” and create 38 jobs, with 18 full-time positions and 20 part-time roles.

The property is described as a “substantial Victorian detached property” that extends over three storeys.

However, the plans have caused controversy in the local area. Residents submitted objections to the proposals on the basis of traffic, noise, and other concerns.

One comment reads: “The proposed change of use and subsequent increase in traffic at peak times of day, in addition to the poor access, limited road space and poor visibility, risks real and significant harm to passing schoolchildren and other pedestrians.”

Another reads: “The impact of environmental air pollution and noise pollution for surrounding residents and community resulting from the presence of approximately 120 very young children playing outside throughout the day in front of my home and the accompanying vehicles which will be required to drop off and collect the attending children.

“There will undoubtedly be an increase in air pollution from the introduction of these vehicles, larger delivery and collection vehicles, and also from staff vehicles using the site.”

However, two comments left on the planning portal were supportive of the application.

One reads: “We are delighted to support this planning application as it simply improves the look of the building and provides an excellent facility for the local community.”