Cardiff is set to be the next home of the UK’s Museum of Military Medicine, following council approval of a new development.
The council’s planning committee has given the go-ahead to a new, five-storey museum in Britannia Park, close to Cardiff Bay, despite hundreds of objections. The museum will move from its current home in Aldershot, Surrey.
Speaking on behalf of the museum, Asbri Planning’s Jon Hurley said the plans were “a distinct opportunity to provide a world-class attraction which will enhance Cardiff Bay as a visitor and cultural destination”.
Much of the development will be on the site of the Tube building, a visitor centre last used in 2010. However, some will extend further into the council-owned park, meaning the removal of a Grade II listed workman’s hut as well as the loss of a children’s play area and a number of trees.
Two petitions to “save Britannia Park” have attracted more than 300 signatures since March. The committee was also told of some 50 late objection letters received making various arguments around the loss of green, open space and the play area.
The committee has enforced conditions on the scheme, including improvements to the public realm in and around the park and relocating the play area. Officers at the council recommended that such conditions would offset the loss of open space. The workman’s hut will also be rebuilt in a new location.
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