THE VALE Council has begun negotiations with a landowner near Cross Common Bridge in a bid to create a new junction on one of the main roads into Dinas Powys

But one local councillor, who has led the campaign to replace the bridge for more than 10 years, has warned that if a housing estate was built on land adjacent to the bridge it would lead to flooding and even worse traffic in the area.

The Vale Council has said that any application for houses will be considered separately and said there is no evidence to suggest a housing development would cause flooding.

Independent Councillor Chris Williams, who first raised the issue of a new bridge in 2002, has criticised the Vale Council for changing its mind about replacing the bridge and warned of the dangers of an “unwelcome and unnecessary” housing site.

Cllr Williams, who represents the Cross Common ward, recently raised the issue at the Vale’s Full Council meeting.

“The answers confirmed that the Labour-led administration is indeed attempting to circumvent the existing but not authorised LDP process and force a most unwelcome and unnecessary housing site on the adjacent field, as a condition to providing a much-needed safe entrance onto Cross Common road from the A4055 Barry to Cardiff road,” he said.

“This proposed estate will cause more flooding by replacing virgin grassland with concrete and create even more traffic onto this already heavily clogged-up, arterial route.

“As the Independent member for Dinas Powys I shall continue to fight for a new safe junction, a safe cycle/footpath from Barry to Cardiff and no more housing in Dinas Powys until the very serious traffic issues on the A4055 are finally and properly resolved for the long-suffering residents of Dinas Powys and road users across the Vale.”

Vale Council officers are continuing negotiations with the landowner of a site adjacent Cross Common Bridge and hope to reach an agreement to make land available to realign Cross Common road and construct a new junction with Cardiff Road.

Michael Clogg, Operational Manager for Highways and Engineering, said:

“This option provides the most advantageous solution in terms of highway safety which could not be achieved by replacing the existing bridge alone.

“Any planning application for houses will be determined by the council's planning department independently of the ongoing negotiations and subject to relevant planning policy and law in the usual manner.

“There is no evidence to suggest a housing development would cause flooding. Surface water flows from any new development site are carefully considered at planning stage and would normally be limited to greenfield run off to prevent flooding.

“The council's highways officers will continue wherever possible to work with local councillors and the wider community to address traffic safety and congestion issues in Dinas Powys. We know that the future of Cross Common bridge is important to local residents and so the council is committed to beginning work either to replace the existing bridge or construct a new junction in 2015/16.”

Plaid Cymru Councillor Chris Franks, who represents the Murch ward, recently held a councillors coffee morning where many local residents asked about the bridge situation.

“We explained that the Vale officers are in discussions with the landowner’s agents regarding the land adjacent to Cross Common Bridge. The Vale is seeking to purchase land running alongside the stream to construct a new junction to the new road. The Vale aims to complete principal negotiations within six weeks we are told.”

He added: “This would avoid a new bridge. The existing would then be closed to traffic. It is frustrating that negotiations are taking such a time. Meanwhile we have been assured that the existing bridge structure is not deteriorating and is safe to use.”