An activist opposing controversial plans to build a new cancer center on virgin land in Cardiff sang at a council meeting. The Cardiff city council planning committee was discussing already approved plans to build a new Velindre Cancer Center on land adjacent to the current site in Whitchurch when Tamsin Graves gave the speech.

In her speech, Mrs. Graves outlined the concerns she and her fellow campaigners have about the plans before presenting the anthem ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’ to the committee. The main concern of campaigners opposing Velindre University NHS Trust’s plans is that the new center will be built in a green area known as the Northern Meadows.

They say the development will lead to habitat loss and threaten biodiversity in the area. Velindre University NHS Trust, on the other hand, says the new cancer center is vital to keep up with the growing demand for cancer services. At Thursday’s planning committee meeting, Ms. Graves said the board’s report on plans for the new cancer center did not address some of the issues raised by community members.

Read more: ‘Mixed reaction to Cardiff retraining trial amid concern for the elderly

She said: “It’s the lack of road safety audits and a totally inadequate paving, water and drainage strategy. These two issues should be of primary concern to all of us here. Unfortunately, the developer has paid little or no attention to the safety, health and well-being of the community or the environment to date.

“Continuously reimagining words to mask the planned destruction of this important conservation site is an insult to the planet and people. Get it in your head.” Before starting to sing, Mrs. Graves added, “Here are the pastures of Ty Clyde Farm in 1840, they are still here in 2023.

“Natural, unique and irreplaceable green pastures that give health to our lungs, protection against cancer and refreshment for the soul. The Lord is my shepherd, He gives me rest in green pastures. Thank you, good shepherd.” The company chosen to design and build the new cancer center is Acorn

Project manager Richard Coe said a Construction Environmental Plan (CEMP) was developed to ensure that things like traffic, surface water and environmental issues are well managed. Responding to the comments of Ms. Harveys, Mr. Coe said: “We have been working a lot on the details of our building processes.

“The contractor doing the work is a very experienced contractor.” He then added: “The Acorn team has engaged extensively with City Council, CADW and NRW staff and we have worked with this feedback to develop the final CEMP before you today.

“We are confident that it represents a very strong document that will ensure the project is delivered with minimal impact and disruption to the local area in the shortest possible time.”

Read more:

  • The reason a huge naval ship docked in Cardiff

  • The council aims to fully support Cardiff as host city for Euro 2028

  • Thousands of £3 million worth of marijuana plants found in bingo hall

  • A man’s body was recovered from the River Wales

  • A pub lover suddenly freaks out on the dance floor and makes a brutal bang

What’s going on where you live? Find out by adding your zip code or visiting InYourArea