We are concerned about the environmental impact of building a 3G pitch on an area that as well as being a popular open green space to the community, is also home to a number of protected and priority species. The area has also been part of a pollination project to encourage biodiversity and important wildlife. 
 
The 3G pitch is part of a wider issue for residents of the Pentwyn, Llanedeyrn and Pontprennau community who have already lost popular local sport and leisure facilities. Following the pandemic, when all other centres reopened to public use, Pentwyn Leisure Centre has remained closed. Cardiff Rugby, who have been utilising the centre as a training facility since the pandemic (on what was supposed to have been a temporary basis) have requested that Cardiff Council invest in an elite training facility for them. This request includes a 3G pitch that they will have exclusive access to during 9-4 on weekdays. The council have said that access to the pitch will be available to the public outside of Cardiff Rugby's contracted hours, although limited information has been provided. As a community we have expressed concern that our health and well-being has been disregarded in favour of meeting the demands of a professional rugby club. 
 
Whilst the community have been campaigning for the reopening of the leisure centre, Cabinet Member for Culture Parks and Events, Councillor Jennifer Burke told residents that 'there can be no Pentwyn Leisure Centre, without the rugby.' Prior to the pandemic, our research has shown that Pentwyn Leisure Centre had the 3rd highest footfall (for leisure centres in Cardiff), and that Swim School was the 2nd most popular. Despite this, and whilst all other centres have received significant investment and refurbishment, the same investment hasn't been granted to Pentwyn. Residents are being told that they will have to share the centre with Cardiff Rugby who have a long list of demands (including the 3G pitch) and have been denied any sort of meaningful consultation throughout the planning process. Emails and letters of concern have been ignored, and Cllr Burke threatened to leave a public meeting to discuss the proposed changes to leisure centre provision in Pentwyn.
 
As well as concerns for environment and wildlife, there are also financial factors to be considered. The predicted cost of the 3G pitch will be over £1million. This will be paid for via capital investment for which Cardiff Rugby have promised to pay rent. However, given Cardiff Rugby's previous history of unpaid rent arrears, we are concerned that Cardiff Council did not carry out the necessary financial due diligence before agreeing to these proposals. We are also concerned that the provision of any leisure facilities in Pentwyn is dependent on a deal with Cardiff Rugby. 
 
Our main concerns are:
 
1. The negative impact on the environment and biodiversity - Despite the area being a Site of Importance for Nature and Conservation (SINC) with up to three priority habitats (identified at preplanning stage) an environmental impact assessment was not considered necessary during the screening process. Due to the likely significant environmental effects, we believe that this should have been carried out at an early stage in the planning process. We believe that Cardiff Council are ignoring the risks in order to meet Cardiff Rugby's demands for a 3G pitch. The council will also be using artificial materials such as rubber crumb in the construction of the pitch. These materials have been the subject of much controversy over recent years due to potential risks not only towards wildlife, but also people. 

2. The negative impact on trees - The proposed development will result in the removal of trees. Although where possible the proposals state that the trees will be replanted, this will have an adverse effect on wildlife. 

3. Light pollution - For residents directly opposite from where the 3G pitch is planned, there are significant concerns that the proposed flood lights will cause light pollution in an area that was previously green open space.

4. Noise pollution - The proposed hours of use have not been established but we know will include evenings and weekends. This will impact negatively on the quiet residential community, and the biodiversity of beautiful green space that houses a significant amount of wildlife.

5. Lack of consultation - Despite the obvious impact to residents, no adjoining residents received a letter at pre planning stage which we believe to be a legal requirement. The pre application consultation summary states that there were 'no neighbouring adjoining properties' but this isn't the case as the 3G pitch will be directly opposite houses on Bryn Celyn Road. Throughout the planning process there has been no engagement at all with the community.

6. Concerns that there will be an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour - Residents are concerned that in creating fenced off areas on what is currently a large open space, anti-social behaviour (including drug taking and dealing) will increase. Anti-social behaviour has already significantly increased since the closure of the leisure centre and we are worried that creating more hidden areas will heighten what is already a serious problem.

7. Cardiff Council's blatant failure to comply with the Local Development Plan - The Cardiff Local Development Plan (2012) proposes to protect, manage and enhance Cardiff's natural environmental assets. The proposals to build an artificial 3G pitch on open green space with known protected and priority species, shows a failure to comply with specific policies within the plan. 

Please sign this petition and share it with friends and family. You can also help us by doing the following. 

• Object to the planning application online. Please use this link and scroll to the bottom and object in the comments - 23/02232/FUL | New rugby pitch with artificial playing surface, fencing, high netting and associated engineering works; drainage improvement works to existing grass football pitch; new artificial playing surface and fencing on former Bowls area; new lighting for pitches and walkways, plus tree removal and re-planting. | Pentwyn Leisure Centre Bryn Celyn Road Pentwyn Cardiff CF23 7EZ (cardiffidoxcloud.wales)
• Follow the Save Pentwyn Leisure Centre Campaign on Facebook and stay updated on our campaign. 

Thank you for your support.