"Plans for the redeveloIpent of the Bath House site have been on the table for more than 10 years.

Following extensive public consultation and a public inquiry Ceredlgion County Council itself earmarked the location for a mixed development of housing, retail, health and social care facilities, as a key element of its development proposals for Cardigan in the Unitary Development Plan.

This decision was made final, when the council adopted the UDP as a planning material consideration in January 2007.

The current proposals meet fully the criteria stated in the UDP. The people or Cardigan have waited more than ten years for a developer to come forward to fulfill those plans, during which time, the need for these new facilities has increased year-on-year.

Current proposals for the Bath House site will see the development of the following facilities that will positively impact the lives of every single Cardigan resident

Hospital and integrated medical GP centre

The UDP identified Bath House as the location suitable for the development of a commiunity facility.

Located close to the town centre, it allows for easy access to a much-needed new hospital and GP centre for the whole community.

Following an option appraisal, undertaken in partnership with key local stakeholders, Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust identified Bath House as its preferred location for Cardigan's new hospital and health centre.

The Trust has secured Welsh Assembly Government funding for the development on the basis of the Bath House location.

The delays already encountered in obtaining planning permission have led to concerns front the Trust that furthter delays could present a risk to the realisation of the project, as the funding will not be available forever.

Hene it is vital that the resubmitted planning application receives consent as soon as possible.

Retail Facilities

The Bath House scheme will provide additional retail space within walking distance of the town centre, offering shoppers a wider range of quality shops close to the centre of Cardigan.

With little space for expansion within the town centre itself, and a lack of available large properties, the development will help to bring to the town the types of store that hitherto Cardigan has not been able to attract.

It will draw retail custom to the town that would, otherwise, have gone to centres such as Carmarthien and Haverfordwest.

The increased retail activity so close to the town centre will bring economic benefits to many of the town's small traders.

Social Housing

Ceredigion County Council has secured Social Housing Grant to deliver an extra care housing facility on the Bath House site in partnership with Cynideithas Tai Cantref.

The facility will provide 48 one and two bedroom apartments for older people who have care and support needs.

This is the first such facility in Ceredigion and Cardigan was chosen because there are higher numbers of older people in the soith of the county.

There will be a staff team on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help people to maintain their independence, as well as communal facilities that will be open to the wider comntunity.

The apartments will be available to rent or buy and the concept is to provide a home for life for older people.

The facility will cater for people with a wide range of needs and will be designed with maximurn accessibility and mobility standards mind.

This is an important development for the area and will add to the housing choices available for older people.

Recreational Facilities

A riverside walk, cycle path, sports playing field, wildlife park and water features will greatly enhance the area, providing much needed recreational facilities for the whole community.

Additional Car Parking

The Bath House scheme will provide additional car parking for the town centre and Theatr Mwldan making it even easier for people to use the whole of Cardigan's retail offer."

Article written by Emyr Williams of Liberty Mercian