COUNCILLORS have raised concerns that a 'badly needed' new junction may only be approved if a controversial housing development is also green lit.

Representatives of Dinas Powys Community Council are looking into the possible link between an application for 50 new houses and the adjacent proposed improved junction from Cardiff Road (A4055) into Cross Common Road.

Although separate applications, councillors hope that the approval of improvements to the junction are not solely reliant on the approval of the new housing.

The community council objects to the new housing development on the basis it lies "too close to the flood plain" and that its proximity to the A4055 could add to existing traffic problems.

Councillor Chris Franks pointed out that the proposed new section of road is essentially proposed as an improvement over the existing junction between Cardiff Road and Cross Common Road. He said this "includes traffic across a narrow bridge, which is ageing, has a weight restriction and in need of replacement".

The planning application for the junction improvement which goes before the Vale planning committee today (Thursday Feb 11), states that the proposal is for a stretch of a new two lane road with a footway.

Also included will be a new highway layout for Cardiff Road, with a holding lane.

This would be formed within the new stretch of highway due to the possible development of new housing.

There is to be a footway connection between the area adjacent to the existing bridge through to the new junction with Cardiff Road.

Dinas Powys Community Council said they support the provision of a new junction at Cross Common Road with the A4055 but because they object to any housing development on the adjacent land, they feel that work on this urgently needed junction should be separate from the approval for a development of 50 dwellings.

The community council has also called for additional parking provision along Cross Common Road for residents.

Cllr Gwyn John, cabinet member for visible services and leisure at the Vale, said: “The current proposal is for a realignment of Cross Common Road rather than the construction of a new bridge.

"This is something the owner of the land next to the existing bridge has worked into their proposed development of the site.

"There are two separate planning applications currently being considered one for the construction of road submitted by Vale of Glamorgan Council and one for the proposed housing development.

“If both applications are approved then the council will be in a position to finalise the design of the new road and we would hope to be able to begin construction by the end of June.

"Should both applications not be approved then it may be necessary to reconsider the viability of renewing the existing bridge at the junction of Cardiff Road and Cross Common Road, a solution that would be more costly in both the short and long term.”