A controversial block of seven apartments designed to replace a house in Cogan has been passed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The application would involve the demolition of the existing dwelling house and the construction of 7 one-bedroom apartments plus all associated works.

The property currently occupying the area is an end-terrace house situated on the corner of Pill street and Harriet street.

The proposal envisions a communal amenity space at the back of the property which would be accessed by a side gate on Harriet street.

Penarth Town Council were consulted and initially objected to the application raising concerns in respect of:

· Overdevelopment

· Lack of amenity space

· No suggestions for affordable housing

· The possibility of 7 extra cars with limited parking spaces

Since then they have amended this statement to have ''no objection to the application, but Penarth Town Council would encourage the applicants to take the opportunity to improve the layout and density of the proposal.''

Although the existing dwelling had a provision for parking and the proposed development relies completely on on-street parking, the Parking Standards allow for a more flexible approach where evidence can be supplied

that the likely parking demand will be lower than usual.

The Technical Notes that were provided indicate that the likely parking demand of the proposed development would be reduced due to the nature of the development and that the site is located within walking distance of all local amenities, including good public transport facilities.

The Decision Notice states that cycle parking provision must be included in the new development before anyone moves in.

Neighbouring properties were consulted on 26 September 2019 and site notices were also posted.

To date in respect of both the original and amended schemes and following three separate consultations, a total of some 43 letters of representation have been received, objecting to the application on the following grounds as summarised:

· Proposal has no provision for off-street parking for seven flats

· The surrounding streets are currently very congested and at capacity

· There are already significant parking issues in this area.

· More cars into the area will mean more pollution to the streets

· Cogan already has a poor air quality

· Danger posed to Cogan school's pupils with the number of parents unable to park at peak time near the school

· Heavy plant machinery coming up and down the street during construction

· Noise and pollution of the building work

· Impacts of the proposal on the privacy of occupiers

· Overbearing impacts

· Raising the roof and altering the appearance of the terrace would result in overdevelopment of the site.

· Proposal would be out of character with the area

Cornerswell Ward Councillor Peter Ward said: ''I think I made a similar comment previously but, in case I didn't, I am concerned about the likely number of cars that this development will bring into an area which already has many cars chasing limited parking space.''

Affordable Housing will not be supplied in the proposed development because the application states: ''It would not allow for the provisions of affordable housing or public open space contribution as this would make the scheme wholly unviable, as would any reduced level of contribution.''