Hundreds of people are campaigning against plans to replace a historic Cardiff pub with flats and a shop.
The Rompney Castle in Rumney — previously known as the Pear Tree Inn — was built around 1872. The watering hole on Wentloog Road closed down during the Covid lockdown and now faces demolition.
Developer Sudhir Sehrawat has submitted an application to build 26 flats, a shop and parking court on the site, but 752 people have signed a petition against the proposals, arguing: "Destroying a historic community building is devastating for the people of Rumney."
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The development would include 10 one-bedroom flats and 16 two-bedroom flats as well as a 172sqm shop. The design and access statement does not give a figure for affordable homes.
The Welsh government's historic environment service Cadw is considering an application to list the stone building — which would mean more protection against plans to knock it down.
Some 38 comments — all objections — have been submitted on Mr Sehrawat's planning application in the last week, many raising the issues of traffic and the loss of community space.
Barney Jones wrote: "I've been a patron of the Rompney Castle since my mum and my auntie took my cousin and myself for my seventh birthday (drinking lemonade). I've never forgotten what a lovely family pub it is and I've been going back ever since. I had my 18th and 21st birthdays down the Rompney and I'm looking forward to having my 60th birthday there... The people of Rumney deserve a pub to share their thoughts."
Martin Thomas argued the "very busy" Wentloog Road "certainly doesn't need any more traffic", while Cathy Lee wrote: "I totally object to this ridiculous idea... Start seeing the beauty around you before it's too late."
Nicole Sutton commented: "I have plans in my possession that show the Rompney Castle as a main part of the old Rumney which stood on Parish Road before it was renamed to Wentloog Road. Why does the heart of every community have to be destroyed by greedy planners and developers for yet more flats that will no doubt fall in to disrepair? Surely it makes more sense to refurbish this historic part of old Rumney and use as something for the community, such as a medical centre and hub."
And Justin Morris added: "This building is a local landmark that would be suitable for redevelopment as a community centre and/or residential property using the existing historic building with adequate parking at the front and preventing the destruction of a site which is awaiting listed status as a historical building via Cadw."
A spokesman for Cadw said: "I can confirm we have received a request to list. The assessment process is ongoing and the requestor will be informed of the decision in due course."
The application says the development would feature protruding window bays in dark grey cladding, "buff brickwork panels" and "large deep windows" to replicate the Victorian style.
"It is considered that the scale and type of development is entirely appropriate and that it would have no negative impact on the amenity of nearby dwellings," the statement continues. "The site has been inclusively designed to ensure accessibility for persons with differing needs including specifically designed level accesses to each dwelling, different colour ground covering, level thresholds and circulation areas within each dwelling."
The applicant declined to comment on the objections when approached by WalesOnline.
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