United Kingdom • Wales

    Site analysis in Cardiff

    An introduction to site analysis in Cardiff, covering planning context, common constraints, climate, terrain and transport. Use this city overview to identify what needs checking at the specific site.

    Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.

    Planning regime

    Cardiff Local Development Plan 2026 + Planning Wales Act + Future Wales NDF

    Key constraints

    • Cardiff Bay barrage
    • Castle setting
    • Civic Centre conservation area
    • Taff/Ely floodplain

    Climate context

    Cfb mild temperate maritime. 1520 hrs sunshine. 1150mm rainfall.

    Topography

    Coastal lowland on Severn estuary, rising gently north toward Caerphilly ridge.

    Transport spine

    South Wales Metro upgrade, Valley Lines, Cardiff Central mainline.

    Building height context

    Bay area 10-25 storeys. Civic centre and arcades low-rise. Capital Tower 80m benchmark.

    Notable recent projects

    • Cardiff Central Quarter
    • Atlantic Wharf
    • International Sports Village

    Questions

    What planning policies apply in Cardiff?

    Cardiff Local Development Plan 2026 + Planning Wales Act + Future Wales NDF

    What are the most common site constraints in Cardiff?

    Cardiff Bay barrage. Castle setting. Civic Centre conservation area. Taff/Ely floodplain.

    Can Atlasly run a site analysis in Cardiff?

    Available site information depends on the address and data source. Start with the site location and review the returned sources and coverage before using the results.

    Run a site analysis in Cardiff

    Start with a site location, review the available evidence and identify the checks needed for your next design decision.

    Open Atlas AI

    Review current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.

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