City residents unite to fight homes plan; Walkers told to keep out of site as controversial plans go ahead.

Byline: Philip Nifield Political & Business Editor

RESTRICTIONS are being put on the use by walkers and anglers of a reservoir at the centre of controversial plans to develop homes.

Annual permits for access to Llanishen Reservoir in Cardiff will no longer be issued by the owners while a planning application for the land is finalised.

Llanishen councillor Garry Hunt, who raised the issue of the future use of Llanishen reservoir at Cardiff council, was told by Cabinet member Marion Drake she understood that public permits covering walking and angling would not be issued from November.

She said the move did not affect the operation of the popular sailing centre, where the lease ran out at the end of June.

Mr Hunt said: ``There is a long term threat to walking and other activities if this area is developed.''

Ted Thurgood, chairman of the Llanishen Reservoir Action Group (RAG), said: ``If this area is developed for housing then it is inevitable that there will be restrictions on the public.

``We will campaign to see the area developed as an open space for leisure and recreation of all sorts and not for development.''

More than 1,150 people have already signed up to the campaign to protect the land from development by utilities giant Western Power Distribution.

John James of Llanishen Water, a project team set up by WPD, said: ``It isn't realistic to issue passes for a whole year as it's possible that the project could begin during that period.

``However, pass holders should be able to continue visiting the site until then.

``We will be reviewing the situation in the autumn with a view to issuing passes for shorter periods.

``When the scheme is completed, this will be a much better resource for local people.''

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RESTRICTED USE Llanishen reservoir in Cardiff.; PICTURE: Simon Ridgway