Testun llawn:
There is a serious concern that the development will increase flood risk. Dinas Powys experienced significant flooding in 2020, largely following new developments built on former greenfield sites that previously absorbed large amounts of rainfall. The Flood Consequences Assessment submitted with this application does not appear to reference these events, which raises doubts about whether the assessment fully reflects the actual flood risk in the area. Further development on land that currently
acts as natural drainage is likely to worsen flooding for existing residents.
Cardiff Road already experiences heavy congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. The addition of around 250 homes could introduce up to 500 extra vehicles, placing further strain on an already busy road network. This would likely increase journey times and could negatively affect road safety and air quality.
Although Eastbrook railway station is located nearby, it is a small facility with limited infrastructure and no step-free access between platforms. Passengers returning from Cardiff who cannot use the footbridge must travel roughly a mile to access the opposite platform. This makes the station difficult to use for people with mobility issues, parents with prams, cyclists, and older residents. As a result, it cannot realistically support the transport needs of a development of this scale.
The proposed walking and cycling routes also raise concerns. Much of the existing pavement along the main road is very narrow and appears to fall below the recommended minimum width of 1.5 metres, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass and unsuitable for wheelchair users or prams. Other suggested routes rely on private roads with steep gradients, which are unlikely to be practical for many users. These routes do not provide a realistic alternative to car travel.
The development would also result in the loss of greenfield land that currently helps absorb rainfall and manage surface water. In addition to its drainage function, this open land contributes to the environmental quality and rural setting of the area. Its loss would reduce the landscape’s natural ability to cope with heavy rainfall.
The site lies within a designated Green Wedge, which exists to prevent settlements merging and to protect open countryside. Building approximately 250 homes in this location would represent a significant and permanent encroachment into protected land and would undermine the purpose of the designation.
Finally, the scale of the development would place additional pressure on local services such as GP
surgeries, schools, and other community facilities, which already serve the existing population. Without clear plans to expand local infrastructure, there is a risk that access to these services will worsen for residents.
Taken together, these issues raise serious concerns about flood risk, traffic congestion, inadequate transport infrastructure, loss of greenfield and protected land, and increased pressure on local services. For these reasons, the proposal does not appear to represent sustainable development and should be refused
