Plans to build 18 temporary apartments for homeless families in Cardiff have been approved despite opposition.
The apartments will be built on Harrison Drive in St Mellons and will consist of 14 two-bedroom and four one-bedroom homes with a communal and meeting space.
Cardiff Council says the apartments will provide short term residential accommodation to homeless families. The plans state the new homes will be built on land adjacent to the Beacon Centre.
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However, some residents have objected to the plans and say it will breach the privacy of those living on Matthysens Way.
Michael Morrison, who lives on Matthysens Way says the residents in the approved apartments will be able to overlook both the front and back of his home."
Michael said: "All anyone will say is that they are for vulnerable people.
"The development is 500 yards from a school and pupils will have to walk past daily.
"Residents have invested a lot of money in to their homes and now fear that the property values will plunge."
Hannah Davies, who also lives on Matthysens Way, says she is also against the new buildings being built after her experience with another development opposite the centre, known as Willowbrook House.
Hannah put her house up for sale last year, but was shocked when it didn't sell after six months despite the huge demand for housing.
"We've been here for nice years and it was such a lovely and quiet area. It's a decent housing estate opposite a school. We had no bother with letting our kids play out on the street before but now it's just awful."
She said: "My neighbours house is up for sale now and it isn't selling. You've got to ask yourself why as houses are usually only up for a few days then sold.
"I think it's to do with the flats and the proposed planning of the next lot.
"People do their research before they move and I think it's stopping us from selling. I can't stay here if my kids can't play outside - I didn't buy a house to not be able to use the garden.
"There's plenty of other areas of Cardiff they could build these flats in that would of been better."
The United Welsh Housing Association own Willowbrook House and say the people living there 'have been shortlisted by Cardiff Council from their housing common waiting list to provide people in housing need with affordable, long-term and high quality homes'.
A council spokesperson said: “The development of 18 new apartments by United Welsh Housing Association at Harrison Drive, St Mellons, is part of the Council’s commitment to reshaping of services for families experiencing homelessness.
“Once complete, the new facility will be one of three that will provide accommodation for families who find themselves homeless, while a more permanent housing solution is found. Briardene on North Road was completed in 2021 while work is nearing completion at The Gasworks in Grangetown, which will be ready for families this Spring.
“All three centres will offer good quality, family accommodation with staff on site during the day and other provision such as Early Help family services, health visiting and parenting support.
“The development in St Mellons is due to be completed June 2023.”
The apartments will be built under instruction of the United Welsh Housing Association.
A United Welsh spokesperson said: “Everyone deserves a high quality, affordable home and the pandemic has shown now more than ever how important a safe, warm home is.
“United Welsh is determined to play our part in tackling the housing crisis in Wales and this development in St Mellons will provide much-needed support to more families experiencing homelessness in Cardiff.”
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