Social Value Ideas for Cardiff Council

Petition referral changed

The committee debated removing the automatic right for a planning application to come to committee when 50 or more valid signatures are submitted. Officers argued this would stop petitions being used …

“So what we're proposing to change is, that instead of it being an automatic right, it just comes down to the delegated header plan is subject to consu…”

Planning delegation overhaul

The committee considered a major rewrite of planning delegation rules to reduce routine matters coming to committee and reserve members' time for strategic or controversial applications. The changes i…

“So this is proposing a constitution change. So this follows a lot of work that's been undertaken, as you see on the screen, following the Audit World …”

Objection threshold raised

The committee discussed changing the trigger for chair consultation from a single objection to five or more objections from five or more households. Officers said the current single-objection rule gen…

“So the next one is just about number of objections. This is a really important one. From the very first day I came to this council, I couldn't believe…”

Public speaking rights expanded

Members backed introducing public speaking at planning committee for objectors, supporters, and applicants/agents, replacing the current petition-led route to speak. This is a procedural policy change…

“So we are recommending where an application is brought before planning committee under skin of delegation, that a right to address committee, public s…”

Site visits formalised

The committee agreed to formalise the process for requesting planning committee site visits and to limit discussion on site to factual observation rather than debate on the application merits. Members…

“So what we're proposing is a specific change to the protocol that allows any member to request such site visit. And ultimately the chair planning will…”

City Hall refurbishment and decarbonisation

City Hall’s phased refurbishment and decarbonisation programme is a major capital investment exceeding £28m, funded by Welsh Government grant and council capital. Phase 1 covers the south elevation, s…

“Phase 1, which involves Welsh Government grant and council capital funding, covers principally the front south elevation, south wing of the building, …”

Core office delivery underway

The new core office project has completed detailed design and delivery planning, with enabling works scheduled to start in July 2026. The scheme involves complex ICT, traffic control, alarm centre and…

“In terms of preparation for core office delivery, we obviously have a detailed design. We've undertaken due diligence and delivery planning has been c…”

Property framework and compliance target raised

The property strategy increases statutory compliance target from 80% to 90% because performance is already above 90%, with an aspiration to reach 100% in time. Officers said the new building managemen…

“So if we look forward to our targets for the Camigne, we've increased our target to 90% because I will say we achieve over 90% as a recurring performa…”

St David’s Hall tenant works

St David’s Hall refurbishment is being delivered by the new tenant AMG rather than the council. Officers said planning and listed building consents are complete, work is underway on site, and the hall…

“So St David's Hall, then another high profile heritage asset that's been subject to separate governance. Again, a major refurbishment and reinvestment…”

Capital receipts and disposals pipeline

The annual property plan sets disposal and capital receipt targets, with the estate team aiming to generate £4.5m of total sales in 2026-27 and around £2m for the general fund. The report also shows p…

“So if we look at the targets that are reported annually to cabinet via the annual property plan, the app, that's to show how we're doing on our five -…”

Medallian House acquisition

The council is seeking in-principle approval to acquire the former Co-op site at 62-64 Crwys Road as a turnkey scheme delivering affordable housing and a community facility. The report indicates a fix…

“Thank you Linda, apologies for just arriving. I'm going to run through the presentation. Okay, so the purpose of report going to cabinet is to approve…”

Medallion House acquisition

Cabinet is asked to approve acquisition of Medallion House as a turnkey development delivering 60 affordable apartments, a community facility and commercial frontage. The scheme reduces development ri…

“The proposed acquisition would deliver 60 affordable apartments in a sustainable and highly accessible location, together with a community facility an…”

Willowbrook housing scheme

Cardiff Living's 35-home scheme at land south of Willowbrook Drive was recommended for approval with a Section 106 package. The officer specified affordable housing plus open space, facilities, and tr…

“So this application seeks full planning commission for residential development on land to the south of Willabook Drive in Trialbridge. The application…”