In order to increase our impact, Cardiff Civic Society (CCS) would like to develop a network of Ward Watchers across the city. Wards are areas represented by one or more councillors; there are 28 across the city – you can find a list here.

Being a Ward Watcher will involve keeping an eye on things in one or two wards, specifically:

• alerting CCS of issues of local concern relating to planning and the environment – these may be highlighted through local contacts and meetings or through the local press. CCS has set out its vision for Cardiff which will give you a good idea about the kinds of things the organisation works on and what concerns we have

• on a monthly basis, monitoring planning applications. The easiest way to do this is via the Weekly/Monthly lists search function on the council website https://planningonline.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=weeklyList – just select your ward(s) for a list of applications (choose the validated applications) and contact CCS about any applications which you consider CCS should be objecting to and reasons why

• you might also want to have a look at what is being discussed at Planning Committee

• keeping an eye on developments as they are built to see if they are sticking to the requirements of the planning application/planning conditions, eg in relation to retaining mature trees etc – and flagging problems with CCS and the part of the planning department responsible for enforcement – planningenforcement@Cardiff.gov.uk