PLANNING APPLICATION Ref 12/01489/DCO
TRACK EXTENSION TO HEATH PARK CARDIFF MINIATURE RAILWAY
Cardiff Model Engineering Society, the owner and operator of the miniature railways and tramway in Heath Park, has made a planning application to extend its track. This is to renew a previously granted application which, for a technical reason, has lapsed. It is to provide an additional, more interesting, ride through woodland for our visitors. We provide a very welcome and much appreciated leisure facility for visitors on our Open Days providing rides for many people from Cardiff, surrounding areas as well as visitors to the City. The society also operates on a number of occasions for charitable reasons and welcomes visitors from Chernobyl and local disadvantaged children each year as well as providing a small Train and track for several other events such as the Children’s Festival in Coopers Field. Society members are volunteers, who do not profit from its activities, and although modest charges are made, this is all used in paying rent, rates, insurance, other overheads and the maintenance of our facilities.
The Society is aware that many people use Heath Park or live nearby and may have queries about the proposed development.
Concerns have been expressed about a reduction in public access to parkland. Public access will be maximised by having the track double fenced inside the woodland area and access available to the remainder except on train operating days. The only area to be fenced off from the public will be for reasons of safety.
The track bed running through the woodland is approximately 2 to 4 metres wide and no mature trees will be affected. The woodland area will be relatively unaffected and still provide public open space which will still provide valuable habitat for wild life with numerous mature and semi mature trees. It will still be an area for quiet enjoyment.
Judging by the number of nesting birds and other wildlife that live on our existing site, the existing railway has little, if any, effect on wildlife. The proposed development would be surrounded wherever possible with suitable hedging plants and would be maintained in a relatively wild state apart from the 2 to 4 metre width band, only, for the safe passage of trains and their passengers.
The Society originally sought advice from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) regarding this development and, as a result, proposes a new pond and a variety of other initiatives to improve the wild life habitat.
If this development is approved the many visitors to the railway from Cardiff, other parts of the country and many parts of the world will be able to enjoy a miniature train ride through the woodland of Heath Park.
Please consider the benefits of the current facility and this development. Whatever you believe, if you feel strongly about it, please contact the council.
You can help us by posting supportive comments. You can either use the link http:/planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications to post comments directly on the Cardiff City Council Web-site.
Or write to
The Development Manager
City Development
City Hall
Cardiff
CF10 3ND
In either case, quote the reference which is 12/01489/DCO. The closing date is 28/09/2012
Whether you do it by E-mail or a letter, please quote the planning reference 12/01489/DCO and include your name and address……………….