Approved Cardiff Parkway station will 'provide step change in sustainable transport'

The firm behind a proposed new railway station in Cardiff has said it will form part of a new business district that could support up to 6,000 jobs.

The Welsh government gave outline planning permission for a new Cardiff Parkway station and 90,000sqm business park, to be located on a Site of Special Scientific Importance at the eastern edge of the city, on January 30.

In a letter, First Minister Eluned Morgan said development could go ahead with a maximum of 30,000sqm of employment space built until work has commenced on the station, with an additional 20,000sqm allowed to be built and occupied before the station is open.

The Planning Inspector had proposed a condition of building the station before any offices.

The applicant, Cardiff Parkway Developments Ltd (CPD), said the revised condition would “provide greater certainty on the delivery of the railway station while allowing employment floorspace to create a destination and make use of the highway infrastructure”.

Morgan’s letter said CPD noted there was “strong policy support for the public transport interchange”, and that “business demand will lead to public transport demand”, with bus journeys possible from the outset before the station is open.

Cardiff Conservation Society remains unconvinced by the development, saying the construction of the surrounding business park should be prevented until the station is operational.

The Welsh government’s decision letter added: “They (the society) share the desire for a station but would prefer one further west where people live.”

It also said inter-city services would not stop at Cardiff Parkway.

The local St Mellons Residents’ Group said there was no need for such a “grandiose” station and said a smaller commuter station would require less associated development and be less environmentally damaging.

CPD Chairman, Nigel Roberts, said Cardiff Parkway was the first of six stations proposed by the South East Wales Transport Commission to receive planning permission.

“It will provide a step change in sustainable transport for residents and businesses across the region,” he said.

“We acknowledge that, as with any development, Cardiff Parkway will have an impact upon the local environment, that there are sensitive local habitats that need to be protected, and where possible enhanced. The clear benefits of improved transport links and economic regeneration cannot come at the expense of biodiversity.

“Our ambition is to ensure that the scheme delivers on its commitments, including to improve local transport, deliver economic opportunities, and preserve, protect and enhance the local environment.”