Fears Cardiff turning into 'concrete jungle' as huge new tower block plans unveiled

Wales Online

11-07-2025

Fears Cardiff turning into 'concrete jungle' as huge new tower block plans unveiled
Cardiff Council's planning committee praised the proposed location of the new blocks, which will replace Asset House in Penarth Road, at a meeting on Thursday, July 3
Asset House has been vacant for years
(Image: Google Street View )
Wales Online readers have been discussing the news that an ageing warehouse in the heart of Cardiff is set to be demolished to make room for two co-living apartment blocks. The proposed site for the new structures, which will take the place of Asset House on Penarth Road, was commended by Cardiff Council's planning committee at a meeting held on Thursday, 3 July.
However, concerns were raised regarding the planned size of the accommodation units, which fall short of the council's current planning guidance for minimum space standards for studio flats. Council planners clarified that co-living accommodation units are typically smaller than conventional flats, but this is offset by the provision of amenity space within the premises.
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Planning committee member, Cllr Peter Wong, praised the project as a "really nice, simple, inoffensive... design" and commended its efficient use of a brownfield site. Yet, he also highlighted shortcomings, such as the inadequate provision of cycle spaces, offering only 75% of what is required by the council's planning guidance, and took issue with the compact size of the living units.
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He remarked: "It is effectively in my eyes a high-rise HMO (house in multiple occupation)."
The development will consist of two blocks, one reaching six storeys and the other 13, together providing 182 apartments. These structures, set to replace the long-vacant Asset House, are touted to be the inaugural purpose-built co-living accommodation blocks in Wales, as noted by a city planner.
Cllr Emma Reid Jones expressed her approval, saying: "This is great use of space in an area that could really use some regeneration."
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However, she also expressed reservations about whether the concept aligns with Welsh Government expectations and local planning guidelines, stating: "I really do have a concern that actually the concept will not match what the Welsh Government and... our local planning guidance says it should."
Commenter Fleetfoot thinks: 'Easy solution, refuse planning permission until the details match the planning rules. In the meanwhile, start charging the owners business rates. Councils are charging double Council Tax for second homes. The Welsh Government could introduce Business Rates on empty office and factory buildings. That would gain the attention of empty property owners. It's not rocket science.'
Jabhigh says: 'Developers are not there to provide an amenity, but to make money and the sooner councillors acknowledge that then the sooner they will understand that they are the last hope for maintaining standards and ensuring what's built is fit for purpose. Developers take their money and go.'
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Tobart writes: 'The local 'architects' must be rubbing their hands at the moment in Cardiff as there just seems to be a blueprint for apartments, apartments, apartments!! Blocks of apartments with zero character or imaginative design. Boring, bland and downright ugly monstrosities blighting the city skyline, blocking sunlight and creating awful wind funnels. As an example, try walking around Central Square these days!'
StevieS999 points out: 'There is a dire need for accommodation, but making excuses to make them so small by calling it co-living is going to extremes. We have had enough 'student' tower flats going up that cannot be let (known beforehand) and so come back to the council for change of use thereby bypassing section106 (meaning more expenditure from our council tax caused by the new premises and unliveable spaces). Make them larger and self-contained; that is what is really needed.'
Rhiannon M Jones is annoyed: 'It's been hell on this section of Penarth Rd with the development on the old brewery site and the old cheese warehouse site, it would be lovely to have some time without any more developments.'
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Mark Curtis wonders: 'So where is the council getting the money from? Between Cardiff Council and the Senedd, they are demolishing the old Cardiff, it is being turned into a concrete jungle.'
Darren Lloyd agrees: 'That's the whole of Cardiff Central, the buildings that are constructed today and for the last 40 years are all eyesores.'
Will you be happy to see this building replaced? What do you think the Cardiff of the future will look like? Have your say in our comments section.
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