A guide to living in South Glamorgan

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I’ve lived here from the very beginning, so I’ve watched the village develop from the start. There are definitely some positives, but also quite a few things that I feel could have been done much better. The pub is a nice addition to the area and can be a lovely place to visit, although unfortunately they do seem to struggle at times with troublemakers coming in from surrounding areas. The school is ideal for the many families living in the village and is a real benefit to the community. However, the narrow roads around the area can become extremely busy, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times, so it’s something to be aware of. One of my biggest disappointments is the lack of facilities for children. The so-called playground feels like a missed opportunity. There was plenty of potential to make much better use of the space, perhaps with a separate area for toddlers and another for older children. As it stands, the equipment is very limited and younger children often can’t use it because older children are occupying the equipment. We also regularly have groups of youths from surrounding areas passing through on motorbikes, so pedestrians need to be mindful when walking around. It took a very long time for the roads and footpaths to be completed, and even now, when you walk around the village, you can see areas that look unfinished or as though they were simply left incomplete. Parking is another massive issue. If you’re planning on having family or friends visit, good luck finding somewhere for them to leave their car! The local bus service is available, which is useful, although buses can sometimes struggle to get through because of the way cars are parked on the already narrow roads. On a positive note, we have an excellent group of community volunteers who regularly litter-pick and do their best to keep the area clean. Sadly, fly-tipping and litter continue to be a significant problem. There is also a small stream that could have been a really pleasant little spot for residents and families to enjoy. Unfortunately, it is often spoiled by rubbish such as disposable BBQs, empty beer bottles and used vapes being left behind. We do have a SPAR shop, and the staff there are lovely. It’s just a shame that a development of this size doesn’t have more useful local facilities. A hairdresser, dentist, coffee shop or bakery, for example, would be great additions and would make the village feel much more like a community. I appreciate that it’s easy to focus on the negatives, and there are certainly good things about living here. However, having watched the village develop from the very beginning, I do feel that more thought and effort could have gone into making it cleaner, safer, more accommodating and more family-friendly. There was a real opportunity to create something special here, and in some respects it feels like that opportunity has been missed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Just how small the rooms are. You can’t fit a double bed in the master bedroom and the lack of parking.

What is the best feature of your home:

The garden which I redid myself because they original garden had broken pots in the soil and wrapped fencing and massive draining problems.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The shops are just around the corner and it looks like more have been opening. There is a new sandwich shop, muffin shop and rice bowl shop attached to the building and a tesco opposite so its really handy. You are right in the heart of the city centre so there are cars and buses going past but I found the apartment to be well insulated from the noise. There is parking onsite but I did not need it. I think there may be a charge for it. If you like shopping, its perfect as they city centre is about a 1 minute walk from the from door of the building

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, There have not been many but if I have a query with anything, such as utility billing, they have been able to discuss it with me so I understand.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

On busy days in town, it can be lively outside but the building is staffed 24/7 so it feels safe. They do offer additional services like apartment cleans, but these are additional costs.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Its a really amazing area right on the river. Close enough to town centre to easily walk while still feeling like you live in your own area and not right in the centre. The quad outside the front of the building is still under construction but there is word from the team that some promising commercial units will start filling in soon after its all done.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building as responded to maintenance issues well so far.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

it would have been good to have known the electricity setup would be such that you don't get to pick your own provider. There is still some confusion on what will happen with how this will be setup and charged.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is perfect for us. We travel a lot, so being right next to the train station is really useful. Everything is on your doorstep here, the shops, restaurants and stadium. It does get busy outside, especially when there is an event on but its what is expected when living this close to everything. There is allocated parking onsite which is very helpful when brining shopping in and its well maintained and feels secure. Parking is an extra cost.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We have only had a couple of minor maintenance issues, but when we report them, they are usually done within 48 hours

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The apartments here are amazing. The only suggestion would be to make sure you view the exact apartment and if you can, pick a higher floor as the views are amazing.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The building is fantastic! I just wish it were closer to the city centre or had amenities nearby, like a supermarket or a coffee shop. It will be even better once the surrounding maintenance work is done!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The management team is helpful and always ready to assist with any issue.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The construction work makes access to the building a bit harder. Hope it finishes soon!