Planning Applications in
Cardiff
Cardiff has a population of approximately 362,400 and is part of the South Wales region. Search any postcode in Cardiff to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
Search Cardiff Planning Applications
Search any Cardiff postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode.
Planning Application Types in Cardiff
Based on 1147 applications tracked between 2025-08-04 and 2026-08-28.
Full
32% of all applications
Householder
27% of all applications
Conditions
16% of all applications
Change of Use
7% of all applications
Tree Works
6% of all applications
Demolition
5% of all applications
Cardiff Planning Statistics
Data period: 2025-08-04 to 2026-08-28 · Updated 2 September 2026
What PlanWatch Is Tracking in Cardiff
PlanWatch currently holds 1,147 Cardiff planning records across 812 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2025-08-04 to 2026-08-28. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (368), Householder (306), Conditions (182).
Use this page to start with a postcode search, then open the official council record for the decision notice, drawings, consultation deadline and any later conditions. That matters because a short application description rarely shows the details neighbours and buyers care about: side windows, roof forms, access, drainage, tree works, opening hours or amended plans.
Planning Battles in Cardiff
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Cardiff area.
Northern Meadows and Green Wedge Threats
2018-2025Proposals for large-scale housing development on the northern fringe of Cardiff, particularly around areas designated as green wedge between Cardiff and Caerphilly, have generated sustained local opposition. The Northern Meadows site (allocated for up to 5,000 homes) has been criticised for its impact on biodiversity, flood risk, and the loss of accessible countryside.
Why this matters: Strategic housing allocations in Local Development Plans are delivered through years of individual planning applications — monitoring each phase ensures conditions on ecology, flooding, and infrastructure are properly enforced.
Cardiff Bay Regeneration Legacy
1999-2025Cardiff Bay's transformation from derelict docklands to a major waterfront destination was one of Wales's biggest regeneration successes. However, some original regeneration promises remain unfulfilled, and more recent development has been criticised for declining design quality, with generic apartment schemes replacing the earlier ambition.
Why this matters: Mature regeneration areas can see quality decline as the initial vision gives way to market-driven development — monitoring design quality and planning conditions ensures standards are maintained.
Student Housing Concentration in Cathays and Roath
2017-2025The concentration of HMOs and purpose-built student accommodation around Cardiff University in Cathays and Roath has created tensions with permanent residents. An Article 4 direction and a specific HMO Supplementary Planning Guidance (adopted 2019) limit new HMO conversions, but enforcement remains challenging.
Why this matters: HMO applications need monitoring in areas with Article 4 directions — without full planning permission, conversions can proceed unchecked and concentrate student housing in already saturated streets.
Major Developments to Watch in Cardiff
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of Cardiff.
Central Quay
2021-2030Major mixed-use development south of Cardiff Central station delivering offices, homes, a transport interchange, and public realm connecting the city centre to the River Taff.
International Sports Village Phase 2
2019-2028Continued development of the sports and leisure destination in Cardiff Bay including additional facilities, commercial space, and waterfront housing.
Plasdwr (North West Cardiff Strategic Site)
2016-2035Cardiff's largest housing allocation delivering up to 7,000 homes in north-west Cardiff along with schools, community facilities, and strategic transport links.
Cardiff Parkway and St Mellons Development
2020-2030New railway station and associated business park development at St Mellons in eastern Cardiff, designed to attract inward investment and reduce congestion.
What Makes Planning in Cardiff Different
- Cardiff operates under the Welsh planning system, which differs from England in significant ways — Future Wales: The National Plan (NDF) and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) replace the NPPF, with a stronger emphasis on placemaking and the Well-being of Future Generations Act
- Welsh planning uses Section 106 agreements but calls them 'planning obligations under Section 106' with subtly different policy guidance from England — developers familiar with English viability arguments may find Welsh authorities more robust in challenging them
- Cardiff is one of the few UK cities where Welsh language planning conditions can apply — developments in certain areas may need to demonstrate they don't undermine the Welsh language, though this is more significant in North and West Wales
- The Cardiff Local Development Plan (adopted 2016, replacement in progress) has been criticised for allocating housing on greenfield sites north of the M4 while brownfield opportunities in the south and east remain undeveloped
- The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff Bay adds a unique political dimension — development near the Senedd requires consideration of the building's setting and Wales's democratic institutions
Cardiff Council processes approximately 3,200 planning applications per year. The Local Development Plan housing target is approximately 1,700 homes per year. Cardiff is the fastest-growing city in Wales and the capital region's economic hub. The Welsh Government's planning reforms, including mandatory Strategic Development Plans for the Cardiff Capital Region, are expected to change how cross-boundary planning decisions are made.
Key Areas in Cardiff
Average house prices around £260,000. Pontcanna and Cyncoed are premium areas exceeding £400,000. Cathays has a strong student rental market (Cardiff University and University of South Wales). Cardiff Bay waterfront apartments vary significantly in quality and value. The city has experienced significant population growth and housing demand.
Recent Planning Applications in Cardiff
Latest applications submitted to Cardiff council.
Discharge of Condition 50 (CEMP) of outline planning permission 14/02733/MJR in respect of the areas covered by reserved matter applications 23/00053/RES (Rhodfa A-B), 25/02446/RES (Rhodfa Y-B) and 25/02832/RES (M2 Temp drainage).
North West Cardiff
Proposed demolition of existing side garage and replacement with single storey side extension
3 Ash Tree Close Radyr Cardiff CF15 8RX
Conversion of the existing roof space into habitable accommodation.
76 Church Road Rumney Cardiff CF3 3BB
Loft extension with roof alterations, front porch and associated works.
82 Heol-y-deri Rhiwbina Cardiff CF14 6HJ
Single storey rear extension.
13 Pencisely Rise Canton Cardiff CF5 1DX
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the Cardiff council website.
Visit Cardiff planning portal →Objecting to a Planning Application in Cardiff
Cardiff Council can only weigh objections that raise a material planning consideration. Personal disputes, loss of a view and property value are not material and are set aside. These are the grounds that do count, with what Cardiff's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.
Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach Cardiff Council inside the 21-day consultation window.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cardiff Planning
How do I check planning applications in Cardiff?
How do I object to a planning application in Cardiff?
How long does planning permission take in Cardiff?
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in Cardiff?
What planning applications don't need permission in Cardiff?
Can planning applications affect my property value in Cardiff?
Save a Cardiff postcode to your free PlanWatch account
Free accounts save one postcode in Cardiff so it is ready whenever you want to check what has been applied for nearby. Paid plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode.
Free: search plus one saved postcode. We never sell your details, and you can remove your postcode at any time.
Read the planning guides →Nearby Councils in South Wales
Explore planning applications in other South Wales councils.
Planning Guides for Cardiff Residents
Do I Need Planning Permission For...?
Specialist Topics
Common Planning Situations
Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- Cardiff council planning portal — www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 2 September 2026
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