Papa John’s to open in Rhiwbina

A Papa John’s pizza shop is heading for Rhiwbina.

The green light has been given for the chain to convert a former estate agents shop on Thornhill Road, despite some objections from local residents and councillors.

Cardiff council’s planning committee gave the go ahead this week, providing that company adapts its opening hours to between 11am and 10.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Rhiwbina councillors Jayne Cowan and Eleanor Sanders had said that residents were concerned about the long opening hours, potential litter build up and fears that groups of youths would meet up nearby. They also highlighted the current parking problems in the area.

“Residents feel that this would be the only late night takeaway in the area and could set a dangerous precedent for other businesses to follow suit.” said Jayne Cowan.

But Lynda Thorne, Labour councillor for Grangetown, said: “It’s a local centre. It does have off-street parking and local centres are very often busy.

“I can see no reason why the applications would be refused. It’s not like a chip shop where youngsters hang around.”

Papa John’s have said that up to 65% of their orders are deliveries and that there is sufficient car parking space for people to collect their orders.