Traders 'devastated' as market loved by TV prop buyers could be bulldozed for housing

Lisa Watts proudly shows me her vintage wrapping paper and Christmas serviettes from the 1970s - but she knows that her stall, a homage to all things old and festive, faces an uncertain future.

Like many of the stallholders at Cardiff Indoor Flea Market, she is "devastated" at the prospect of the 12-year-old site closing.

"It's only in markets like this where we can afford these spaces," she said.

There is currently a public consultation on proposals to turn the site into affordable housing.

The developer did not wish to comment, while the city council said it could not comment on live planning applications.

An auction house on one side of the building and flea market on the other, the market is a mecca for bargain hunters and collectors.

Laurie Rossiter, who operates the business with her father, David, said they saw a surprising number of students and young people bidding for period furniture to furnish their flats at a discount.

"We have quite a large student population not too far from us - I think they enjoy the vintage vibe that's had a bit of a revival," she said.

"It's a bit cheaper now to pick up something very solid."

But she said it would be sad to see the market go.

"It would be a shame for this to go because it's built up a real reputation - not just for the stallholders but for the wider community, we have regulars who are here every weekend - they've made it part of their lives," Laurie said.

The market has a curious clientele of shoppers looking for everything from vintage football jerseys to cut-price furniture, as well as hardcore antique enthusiasts and prop buyers for period dramas being filmed in Wales.

It has operated from the Clydesmuir Road Industrial Estate since 2014, but developers have submitted plans to build 93 affordable homes on part of the estate.

Traders and customers say affordable homes are desperately needed in the city, but would at least like to see the market continue elsewhere.

Shopper Kensa Budworth, who was looking for something to go above her mantelpiece, said it was "really sad" that the market might close.

"I understand that there's a demand for housing - but it's the livelihood for a lot of different people and it adds character to an area," she said.

The market is spread across three large halls and hosts more than 70 independent traders and micro‑businesses.

Lisa says she would not be able to afford a place on the high-street to continue running her vintage Christmas stall, if the market closed.

"I love it when people come on the stall and get all misty-eyed and they remember things from their childhood - they may spot an angel on the tree," she said.

"The thought of this market going is absolutely devastating to be honest."

A planning application has been submitted to demolish an area the size of roughly two rugby pitches, and redevelop the industrial estate for housing.

In planning documents the developers have said the site is a brownfield location near public transport and employment centres and could tie in with the wider regeneration of the east of Cardiff.

The developer, Pegasus Developments and its agents, Arcadis, did not want to comment.

Cardiff City Council said, as the planning authority in this case, it could not comment on live planning applications.

Market operator David Rain has big plans for the market, including car shows and battle re-enactments, and said he hoped it could continue either here or elsewhere in the city - but fears the market may have to leave Wales altogether.

"It is very, very difficult to keep your head above water - business rates keep on increasing, energy costs, staff costs," he said.

Some stallholders have said they would be forced to close altogether if the market were to shut, while others fear being priced out of Cardiff if rents increase at alternative locations.

The public consultation on the future of the site runs until the beginning of May.