Coming Soon South Wales · Wales

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.

update Last updated: 13 March 2026

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Get Alerts for Cardiff Planning Applications

Never miss a development near your property. Get free weekly email alerts when new planning applications are submitted in Cardiff.

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What Planning Applications Can You Find in Cardiff?

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Residential Extensions

Rear extensions, side extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions in Cardiff.

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New Builds & Developments

New housing developments, apartment blocks, and commercial buildings proposed in Cardiff.

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Change of Use

Applications to change building use — shops to flats, offices to restaurants, and more in Cardiff.

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Listed Buildings & Conservation

Works to listed buildings and developments in Cardiff's conservation areas.

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Demolition Notices

Prior approval applications for demolition of buildings in Cardiff.

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Trees & Landscaping

Tree preservation orders, tree works applications, and landscaping schemes in Cardiff.

Planning Battles in Cardiff

Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Cardiff area.

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Northern Meadows and Green Wedge Threats

2018-2025

Proposals 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.

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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.

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Cardiff Bay Regeneration Legacy

1999-2025

Cardiff 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.

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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.

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Student Housing Concentration in Cathays and Roath

2017-2025

The 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.

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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.

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Central Quay

2021-2030

Major 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.

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International Sports Village Phase 2

2019-2028

Continued development of the sports and leisure destination in Cardiff Bay including additional facilities, commercial space, and waterfront housing.

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Plasdwr (North West Cardiff Strategic Site)

2016-2035

Cardiff's largest housing allocation delivering up to 7,000 homes in north-west Cardiff along with schools, community facilities, and strategic transport links.

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Cardiff Parkway and St Mellons Development

2020-2030

New railway station and associated business park development at St Mellons in eastern Cardiff, designed to attract inward investment and reduce congestion.

info What Makes Planning in Cardiff Different

arrow_right 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
arrow_right 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
arrow_right 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
arrow_right 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
arrow_right 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

Cardiff City Centre Cardiff Bay Canton Pontcanna Roath Cathays Splott Butetown Llanishen Cyncoed

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.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cardiff Planning

How do I check planning applications in Cardiff? expand_more

Enter your postcode on PlanWatch to instantly see all recent planning applications in Cardiff. We show applications within a 1-mile radius, including extensions, new builds, and change of use applications.

How do I object to a planning application in Cardiff? expand_more

To object to a planning application in Cardiff, you need to submit your comments during the public consultation period (usually 21 days). Visit the Cardiff council planning portal or write to their planning department. Your objection must be based on material planning considerations such as impact on privacy, traffic, or character of the area.

How long does planning permission take in Cardiff? expand_more

Most planning applications in Cardiff are decided within 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major developments. However, complex applications or those requiring committee decisions can take longer. You can track the status of any application on PlanWatch.

Can I get alerts for new planning applications in Cardiff? expand_more

Yes! PlanWatch offers free weekly email alerts for planning applications in Cardiff. Simply enter your postcode and email address to start receiving notifications whenever new applications are submitted near you.

What planning applications don't need permission in Cardiff? expand_more

Some developments in Cardiff fall under "permitted development rights" and don't need planning permission. This includes certain small extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and changes of use. However, if you're in a conservation area, listed building, or AONB, additional restrictions may apply. Always check with Cardiff council before starting work.

Can planning applications affect my property value in Cardiff? expand_more

Yes, planning applications near your home in Cardiff can significantly impact property values. Large developments, commercial buildings in residential areas, or loss of green space typically reduce nearby property values by 5-15%. Stay informed with PlanWatch alerts to monitor applications that could affect your home's value and object during the consultation period if necessary.