Councillor attacks arms factory plan; Property giants signs retail deal.

Byline: Philip Nifield Political Editor

A RETAIL park, new homes and offices are earmarked for the site of a former munitions factory, it has been revealed.

Property giant Capital & Regional is close to signing a deal with Defence Estates to acquire the 15 acres of land at the old Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Llanishen, Cardiff.

Gareth Williams, a partner with international property consultants King Sturge, which is acting for the owners, Defence Estates, said: ``Capital & Regional has had detailed discussions with the Cardiff planning authority and it is expected that a planning application will be submitted by the end of August or Sep t embe r.''

The retail park, close to the Safeway supermarket and Focus DIY, is expected to feature companies selling bulky goods.

As part of the scheme, the developers will carry out transport improvements, including a bus lane along part of Caerphilly Road and a bus link through the site.

Llanishen councillor Garry Hunt said: ``I don't want to pre-judge any retail development on that site but any scheme is likely to create further traffic problems.

``There is already a retail scheme proposed on the former Viscosuisse land in Llanishen.

``The retail element on the AWE site causes some concern. Ideally, I would like to see the site reserved for industrial or business uses but, in the absence of that, then residential would be suitable.''

Hundreds of specially-sealed lorries will carry contaminants-- including depleted uranium and arsenic - from the site in a massive clean-up operation.

The depleted uranium will be dumped at a Government waste disposal facility for radioactive material near Sellafield in Cumbria.