**Dinas Powys Residents Voice Anger Over Cottage Redevelopment Amid Road Safety Fears**
A heated debate has erupted in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, after local councillors narrowly approved contentious plans to convert a nineteenth-century cottage into a trio of modern homes. The decision, reached at a planning committee meeting on 10 July, has sparked outrage among neighbours, who argue the development will endanger pedestrians due to increased traffic on an already hazardous lane.
Hillcroft, the cottage at the heart of the controversy, sits along Heol y Cawl—a narrow, winding road that links to the busier Mill Road and Pen y Turnpike Road. Residents have long voiced concerns about the safety risks posed by local traffic, and the proposal to transform the property into three houses, complete with seven parking spaces, has intensified their worries over road congestion and pedestrian safety.
At the council meeting, members were split on whether the scheme would exacerbate dangers or whether such fears were overblown. Some cited the lack of officially recorded accidents over the past two decades as evidence that the road is safe, with planning consultant Powys Jones emphasising that the scarcity of incidents is likely due to drivers exercising extra caution on the tight lane.
However, critics of the redevelopment dispute the suggestion that accident statistics tell the full story. Councillor Marianne Cowpe was among those who highlighted that many minor collisions often go unreported, potentially glossing over everyday hazards. This sentiment was echoed during a recent site visit, when committee members were advised against driving along Heol y Cawl, further underlining residents’ safety concerns.
For local resident Hannah Reeves, the situation is very real. “Many cars avoid driving down Heol y Cawl because it feels too dangerous,” she said. She described regular traffic difficulties at various access points along the road, recounting instances where vehicles have struggled to manoeuvre tight bends opposite solid walls—defining scenarios she fears could result in serious accidents.
Neighbours are not only worried about prospective traffic caused by the new homes, but also the disruption that construction vehicles may soon bring. George Eralil, another local parent, expressed deep concern for his family’s wellbeing during the project. “You simply can’t get a truck up that road safely,” he stated, alluding to recent vehicle insurance write-offs that have taken place there. “I don’t want my five-year-old daughter to be put in harm’s way.”
The debate also touched on the affordability of the new homes, with Councillor Carys Stallard criticising the fact that each property is expected to fetch around half a million pounds—an amount far beyond the reach of many locals. Councillor Nic Hodges echoed these concerns, pointing out the absence of a financial commitment from developers towards affordable housing, which is commonly required through section 106 agreements to mitigate community impacts or bolster local infrastructure.
A council report revealed that demanding such a contribution from the developer would threaten the viability of the scheme, though this explanation did little to quell criticism from those who believe new developments should support local needs as a matter of course.
Heritage concerns were also raised, given that Hillcroft forms part of the Dinas Powys conservation area and is described by the Vale of Glamorgan Council as an early nineteenth-century structure. Initial plans had included demolishing a lean-to section of the building, a proposal the council opposed. The revised proposals now retain this lean-to, and council heritage officers reportedly deemed that the plans would not detract from the area’s character.
With emotions running high, the planning committee found itself deadlocked in the final vote, with seven members in favour, seven against, and two abstentions. The fate of the proposal ultimately rested on the casting vote of committee chair, Councillor Neil Thomas, who tipped the balance in favour of approving the development.
The decision has left a lingering unease for many in the community, who feel both their safety concerns and appeals for affordable housing have gone unheard. As construction looks set to move forward, residents are left questioning whether the transformation of Hillcroft will ultimately be an asset or a liability for Dinas Powys.