Testun llawn:
As a resident of Dinas Powys, I strongly object to this development.
Flooding
A significant concern relating to this proposal is the increased risk of flooding. Following several recent developments in and around Dinas Powys, the village experienced notable flooding in 2020. These developments were constructed on former greenfield sites which previously absorbed substantial volumes of surface water during periods of heavy rainfall. The loss of this natural drain age capacity appears to have contributed to increased surface water runoff and flooding within
the community. It is therefore concerning that the Flood Consequences Assessment submitted in support of this application does not appear to reference or consider the flooding events experienced in 2020. The omission of this locally significant event raises questions about whether the assessment fully reflects the real flood risk affecting the area. Under Welsh Government planning guidance Technical Advice Note 15 (TAN15), updated in 2025, Local Authorities are expected to ensure that development proposals fully consider flood risk and consequences based on up-to--date flood maps and climate change projections, particularly on greenfield sites where development is strongly discouraged in flood-prone areas. Further development on fields that currently act
as natural water absorption areas is likely to exacerbate the problem and increase the risk of flooding for existing residents.
Traffic Congestion and Highway Capacity
Another major concern is the impact on the local road network. Cardiff Road, which runs through Dinas Powys, already experiences significant congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. This road serves as a key route connecting the village with both Cardiff and Barry and is heavily relied upon by residents and commuters. With further housing developments planned in nearby areas, particularly in Barry, traffic volumes are already expected to increase. The addition of
approximately 250 new dwellings could reasonably introduce several hundred additional vehicles
to the local road network, potentially in the region of 500 extra cars. The current infrastructure already struggles to cope with existing traffic levels, and it is difficult to see how it could accommodate such a substantial increase without worsening congestion, increasing journey times, and
negatively affecting road safety and air quality.
Public Transport Accessibility (Eastbrook Station)
Concerns also arise regarding the reliance on the proximity of Eastbrook railway station as a justification for the sustainability of the development. While the station is geographically close to the site, it is a small facility with limited infrastructure and lacks adequate accessibility provisions. In particular, the station does not provide step-free access between platforms. Passengers returning
from Cardiff Central who need to access the opposite platform cannot use the footbridge and must
instead travel approximately one mile to find an alternative route around. This presents a significant barrier for people with mobility impairments, parents with prams, cyclists, and elderly residents. As a result, the station cannot reasonably be considered a fully accessible or practical
transport option for a large number of future residents, and reliance on it to support a development of this scale risks overstating the site's public transport accessibility.
Active Travel and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Concerns also arise in relation to the suitability of the proposed active travel routes associated with the development. The routes identified appear to rely heavily on existing infrastructure that is inadequate to safely accommodate increased pedestrian and cycling activity. For example, sections of pavement along the main road are particularly narrow and appear to fall below the recommended width for safe pedestrian use. Such constrained spaces make it difficult for pedestrians to pass
comfortably and are unsuitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, or parents with prams. Alternative routes identified appear to rely on private roads and involve steep gradients, requiring users to travel both up and down hills. The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 places a legal duty on
local authorities to plan for suitable walking and cycling routes that meet the needs of all users — including people with reduced mobility — and to provide accessible infrastructure that enables modal shift away from car use. These routes are therefore unlikely to be practical or accessible for many members of the community, undermining claims that the development promotes sustainable transport.
Loss of Greenfield Land
A further concern relates to the loss of greenfield land and its environmental function. The proposed development would remove land that currently performs an important role in absorbing rainfall and regulating surface water runoff . In addition to supporting natural drainage, this open
land contributes to the environmental quality and rural setting of the surrounding area. Its loss would reduce the landscape’s natural resilience to heavy rainfall events and contribute to the continued urbanisation of what is currently open countryside. The Welsh Government’s planning guidance consistently emphasises prioritising previously developed land and avoiding inappropriate
development on greenfield sites, particularly where it would compromise natural environmental functions.
Green Wedge Designation
The site also lies within land designated as a Green Wedge in the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development
Plan (Policy MG18), which seeks to prevent the coalescence of settlements and retain the openness of land between Dinas Powys, Penarth, and Llandough. Within these areas, development that prejudices the open nature of the land will not be permitted. This designation exists to restrict inappropriate development which would contribute to urban sprawl, erode landscape character, or
adversely impact the setting of existing communities. The construction of approximately 250 dwellings would represent a substantial encroachment into this protected landscape, undermining the purpose of the Green Wedge policy and the local plan’s objectives for managing growth
sustainably.
Pressure on Local Infrastructure and Services
The scale of the development would also place additional pressure on local infrastructure and public services. Facilities such as GP surgeries, schools, and other community amenities in Dinas Powys are already limited and serve the existing population. A development of approximately 250 homes would significantly increase demand for these services. Without clear and demonstrable plans for corresponding infrastructure improvements or expansions, there is a real risk that existing residents will experience reduced access to essential services — an outcome contrary to the Local
Development Plan which seeks to ensure new development adequately provides for community needs. In summary, the proposal raises serious concerns relating to flood risk, traffic congestion, inadequate transport infrastructure, poor accessibility, unsafe active travel routes, pressure on local services, loss of greenfield land, and the erosion of Green Wedge protections. Many of these issues directly conflict with Welsh planning policy (including TAN15 and the Active Travel Act) and the
Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan. Taken together, these issues suggest that the development
is neither sustainable nor appropriate for this location. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the application be refused.
