Swansea seafront proposals move forward

DEVELOPMENT proposals for seafront sites in Swansea are set to be taken forward, following a huge response to a public consultation.

Council chiefs floated the idea of potential development at Langland tennis courts, land at the bottom of Sketty Lane, the Blackpill Lido, the West Cross skate ramp, and a grassed area on the Mumbles side of The West Cross Inn, in May this year.

Cabinet will now consider a report which recommends appointing an agent to advertise the Langland tennis court site for sale or to let on a longhold lease basis.

There are six tennis courts at Langland, and the area under consideration is the two side-by-side courts close to Alma Road.

The cabinet report said that, subject to approval, it will be marketed on the basis that any development must provide new public toilets and that the council would like to see a mix of commercial and leisure facilities.

The report recommended detailed investigation into potential design briefs for the Sketty Lane and Blackpill Lido sites.

It also said council officers would carry out a due diligence exercise on published plans for a new skate park at the West Cross skate ramp site.

“Although the construction of a skate park by Mumbles Community Council within its ward appears to be well supported, if this site is the most suitable location is less clear,” said the report.

“A full review of all possible sites within the relevant area is also to be undertaken to ensure the best location is identified.”

If it’s not the best location for a skate park, other possible development options could be explored.

Meanwhile, the land adjacent to The West Cross Inn will be left as it is.

Speaking ahead of the January 9 meeting, Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said he was pleased by the level of interest in the sites.

He said: “Developers want to commercially develop them if the planning process would allow, the public acknowledge the potential for some sensitive development at some sites, and residents and visitors continually tell us they would like more cafes, restaurants and other facilities along the prom.

“Most public responses appear to be against large-scale commercial development and expressed a desire for improvements to existing facilities.”

An adventure playground, monorail, emergency services building, drive-in cinema, farmers’ market and “muscle beach” gym were among the more eye-catching consultation responses, while more public toilets and parking were popular choices.

Many respondents didn’t want to see any new development – and said so in strident terms – but a large number also backed Mumbles Community Council’s skate park proposal.

Cllr Francis-Davies stressed that no development decisions had been made as yet.

“We only want ideas that are sympathetic to the bay and our wonderful natural environment, there will be no over-development or high-rise,” he said.

“We want to enhance what we already have, not spoil it.”