Reservoir nature promise fails to satisfy

Sailors, walkers and fishermen use the reservoir

Developers who want to build a major housing scheme at a Cardiff reservoir have unveiled plans for a nature reserve at the site if the proposals are given the go ahead.

The Llanishen Reservoir has been earmarked by Western Power Distribution as the construction site of 340 new houses and apartments.

A plan of the proposals has been submitted

As part of the plans submitted to Cardiff council on Tuesday, the remaining land will be given to the Wildlife Trust and leisure and education facilities will be developed.

But people living in the area - opposed to the plans - have branded the involvement of the wildlife group as a "sweetener".

If the plans are approved by the council, more that 75 acres of land will be gifted to the Wildlife Trust.

The environmental group would maintain and transform the reservoir which was built in Victorian times into an attractive mosaic of open water lakes and wetlands.

A nature education and community centre would also be constructed and cycle and foot paths would be created.

We are totally opposed to this development of Llanishen Reservoir

Ted Thurgood, RAG

A permanent sailing facility is also planned at the site.

The developers have said any new houses built at the site would be screened by sensitive landscaping including trees.

But chairman of the Reservoir Action Group (RAG), Ted Thurgood, said that the plans would spoil the beauty of the area.

"We are totally opposed to this development of Llanishen Reservoir," he said.

"It is something to be protected for future generations.

RAG are opposed to the development

"We are strongly against what is ultimately the destruction of the reservoir.

"It is a wonderful place and definitely the wrong place to build houses.

"The idea of building a nature reserve is obviously a sweetener to try and convince the people of Cardiff that the area will not be spoilt," he said.

However, John James, head of Llanishen Water working on behalf of Western Power Distribution, defended the scheme.

"This is a unique plan in Wales to blend wildlife habitats and new homes," he said.

We have taken on board the views of local people

John James, Llanishen Water

"Only around a fifth of the area will be used for around 340 new houses and apartments with major improvements to the remaining area.

"We have taken on board the views of local people and our proposal not only meets these objectives, it far exceeds them," he added.

The Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Derek Moore said: "We came into the equation to ensure that the concerns of local people and naturalists were addressed.

"Our main concern is to ensure that there is a good environmental impact on the site, that the existing green corridor is maintained, and that wildlife habitats protected and enhanced," he said.

The council is expected to discuss the application in the New Year.