LOCAL residents have an opportunity to give their opinion on a proposed active transport route before it goes to planning.

On November 12, a local resident, Rhys Morgan, in a post on social media, said:  

Why is there not a cycle and pedestrian path going from Penarth through Dinas to Barry? 

“The roads to Barry are frightening! No pedestrian access.

"Potentially it could be a perfect cycle/exercise loop returning through Sully back to Penarth.” 

A resident replied: “Totally agreed. Dinas Powys lanes are so tight, but such a beautiful route.” 

A proposed walking/cycling path between Dinas Powys and Barry is due to go to planning shortly. 

If you are cycling from Penarth to Barry, one of the options is to cycle through Dinas Powys. 

A consultation for proposals to improve the active travel conditions between Dinas Powys and Barry was carried out between May and June this year. 

It asked the public to comment on the proposed active travel route connecting Barry to Dinas Powys. 

The council says this was the most demanded route when they undertook their Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) consultation. 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council published a report with the full details of the responses to the consultation. 

A resident says the improvements will make her cycle route from Barry to Penarth feel safer 

In the consultation report a resident commenting on the proposal said:  

I regularly cycle from Barry to Penarth through Dinas Powys and feel Dinas Powys has a risky route to cycle, so a path would be great.” 

A recommendation from the public consultation held on the Barry to Dinas Powys active travel route in June 2024, was that the Council needs to consider the connecting links. 

Funding has been awarded in FY24/25 for the Council to commence work on the feasibility and design of active travel connections from Dinas Powys to Cardiff. 

It is expected that these will be available for public consultation in late 2024. 

What will the cycle/pedestrian path look like?

 The proposed active travel route

What is happening next? 

The council is now at the stage of proposing to submit a full planning application for the establishment of an Active Travel Route (ATR) from Biglis to Dinas Powys. 

The full planning application will seek planning consent for the following:  

“The provision of a shared pedestrian and cycle route (Active Travel Route), footbridge, landscaping and associated works from Biglis to Dinas Powys.” 

Before submitting to the Local Planning Authority, the council are required to undertake something called a ‘period of Statutory Pre-Application Consultation’ (PAC).  

An opportunity for local residents to have their say 

It is an opportunity for key stakeholders and the local community to view the information made available and to make any comments. 

The full list of documents on the proposal are available on the Vale of Glamorgan website here. 

Individuals wishing to provide feedback must do so by December 19, 2024, via email to chloe.jones@arcadis.com. 

Alternatively, you can send your comments by post to the address Arcadis, Suite 4D, Hodge House, 114-116 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DY.