Area Overview for Penylan Community

Roath Park Recreational Ground in Penylan Community
Waterloo Road, Penylan, Cardiff in Penylan Community
Kimberley Road, Penylan, Cardiff in Penylan Community
St Andrew's United Reformed Church, Roath in Penylan Community
Church and Roath Brook, Cardiff in Penylan Community
Footbridge over Roath Brook, Cardiff in Penylan Community
Pen-y-lan Road bridge over Roath Brook, Cardiff in Penylan Community
Pen-y-lan Road - infilled bridge in Penylan Community
Cardiff : Eastern Avenue heading west in Penylan Community
Cardiff : Ty Gwyn Road crosses above Eastern Avenue in Penylan Community
Footpath near Roath Park in Penylan Community
St Edward's Church, Roath in Penylan Community
51 photos from this area

Area Information

Penylan Community stands as one of the most affluent districts within Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. This civil parish covers 3.4 square kilometres and currently houses approximately 1,280 residents, though historical records indicate a population of around 1,981. The name means "the summit" in Welsh, reflecting its geography situated on the slopes north and south of the A48 dual carriageway. You will find a landscape defined by spacious, tree-lined roads and a significant presence of the grand Victorian and Edwardian houses that replaced former pastoral farms during the late nineteenth century. St Margaret's Church, with Norman foundations dating to the twelfth century, anchors the community alongside notable green spaces such as Roath Park and Waterloo Gardens. The area offers a quiet residential experience far removed from the city centre, yet it remains well connected. You can access key local amenities including Penylan Library and the Harlequins Recreation Ground without needing to travel far. Although the Penylan Synagogue closed in 2003 and was redeveloped into housing, the site now contributes to the residential fabric of the parish. Living in Penylan Community means residing in a district with a rich history, from its origins as a chapel of Tewkesbury Abbey to its current status as a sought-after home for those seeking established period properties in a green setting.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
3.4 km²
Population
1280
Population Density
377 people/km²

Demographics

The demographic profile of Penylan Community reveals a settlement with a distinctly older population. The median age for residents here is 70 years, making this one of the oldest age profiles in the Cardiff area. You will encounter fewer young families and more established households compared to other districts. Home ownership is the dominant form of tenure, with 76% of residents owning their homes outright or with a mortgage. This high level of ownership suggests long-term stability within the neighbourhood. The number of people per household averages out based on the total population density of 377 people per square kilometre. While specific data on household composition types is not broken down further in the current records, the high ownership rate typically correlates with larger family units or retired couples in built-up areas. The community reflects a mature demographic with strong ties to the locality, having transitioned from agricultural roots to a suburban residence over the last century and a half. If you consider demographic trends as a measure of community feel, Penylan presents a picture of senior residents enjoying a high standard of living within a historic parish setting.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

76
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

47
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the community feel like in Penylan Community?
Penylan offers a mature, affluent atmosphere defined by its 76% home ownership rate and older demographic, with a median age of 70. The parish features spacious tree-lined roads and large Victorian homes, creating a settled environment rather than a transient one. You will find a desire for privacy and space, consistent with the district's transition from farming to suburbia.
Who typically lives in Penylan Community?
The community is dominated by older residents, with a median age of 70 years. Home ownership stands at 76%, indicating a stable population of long-term homeowners. This contrasts with many rental-heavy areas, reflecting a preference for established properties among wealthier families and retirees.
How good is transport and connectivity in the area?
Digital infrastructure scores highly, with a broadband quality of 89/100 and mobile coverage at 85/100. These excellent ratings ensure reliable internet for working from home. However, you should be aware of the A48 dual carriageway bordering the area, which serves as a major traffic artery separating the northern and southern parts of the neighbourhood.
Are there safety concerns regarding the environment or crime?
Flood risk is low with a score of 6.42, and there are no major planning constraints like wetlands. The area does contain protected woodland, marked as a warning for development purposes. Crime risk data is not available for Welsh parishes, so specific crime figures are absent from the current assessment.

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