COUNCILLORS have claimed a pledge that traffic issues would be an essential consideration in planning applications has been ignored.

Dinas Powys Plaid Cymru community councillors have said the recently adopted Vale council Local Development Plan (LDP) stresses a need to consider traffic in relation to housing applications such as those at Caerleon Road and the potential development at the former St Cyres School site. They point to a three-car crash along Pen Y Turnpike Road recently as an example of such traffic issues.

Cllr Richard Grigg said: “The Conservatives approved this plan in July and since then there have been three sites in Dinas Powys now being considered for development.

“However there is not one instance of any measure to improve public transport.

“There is not one suggestion how the existing road and junctions will be able to accommodate hundreds of extra cars.”

But council leader Cllr John Thomas pointed out that the Caerleon Road application was approved with regard to all material considerations and that no planning application has been submitted as yet concerning the former St Cyres School site but when an application is it will be considered having regard to the LDP and local and national planning policies.

He said: “While the LDP is an important consideration for planning committee, other factors such as the latest information on the possible traffic impacts of the proposed scheme and the need for housing would need to be weighed up before making a decision on any application.

“I have met with representatives from Dinas Powys to discuss both their and our aspirations for improving the traffic situation in the village.

“I recognise the understandable concerns over the significant congestion in Dinas Powys at certain times of the day. This meeting, during which representatives were able to share their ideas and thoughts, is an initial step and I look forward to continuing the dialogue.”

But Dinas Powys community councillor Chris Franks said Plaid has warned for years that unless road junctions and capacity is improved, the extra housing is premature.

“Traffic is having a serious impact on our lives and the Conservatives who had said they would sort out matter now seem to be adding to the problem.”