CARDIFF Council has given its approval for a popular local deli to extend its opening hours to include an extra day despite complaints from some residents.
The disputed plans for Snails Deli in Rhiwbina to open shop for an additional day on a Sunday were heard by council bosses at a planning meeting in December of 2025.
The request was to alter planning conditions on the deli which previously allowed them to operate between Monday and Saturday, but restricted them from opening on Sundays.
Snails currently opens from Wednesday to Saturday at its location on Beulah Road near to a number of other commercial properties.
The proposal was brought to the council planning committee for a decision after a number of responses were handed in by locals, with 21 said to be in support and seven in objection.
Some who spoke against the plan felt it would remove the “only quiet day” of the week, leading to increased noise and disturbance at the evenings and weekends, as well as increasing traffic movements and parking problems in the surrounding streets.
Cllr Jayne Cowan said if the approval was granted residential properties located to the back of the site would be “badly affected” with particular concerns over the use of the out-door dining area.
However, those speaking for the plans said allowing Sunday opening would give residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy and support an independent business which “contributes positively to the character and vibrancy of Rhiwbina Village.”
Additional representations were made by local MP Anna McMorrin and MS Julie Morgan, who both supported the plans for the business MS Morgan described as being “a big part of the community”.
Speaking at the meeting officers said they recommended the plans for approval as they felt the impact of opening on a Sunday would not be significantly different to that of the existing days.
They added that the move would bring the premises in-line with other local businesses including shops and eateries that opened on a Sunday.
Cllr Garry Hunt said while he understood the desire for people to have a rest from places being open, he found it difficult to comprehend why there would be an issue on a Sunday that wasn’t there on the other days of the week.
The owners Rupert and Fran Sykes said Sunday opening would bring them in to parity with the rest of the village and help them to secure the long-term future of the business.
Following discussions the plans were later approved by councillors with a vote of nine in favour and one abstention.
