1,500 object to M4 link road amid woods fears
MORE than 1,500 people have signed a petition against a new road in the Vale of Glamorgan due to fears over loss of ancient woods.
The Woodland Trust has launched the petition against the road being proposed from Junction 34 of the M4 to the Sycamore Cross junction of the A48.
Two possible routes for the road have been identified – to the east or west of Pendoylan village – which the council hopes would improve links between the two roads, reduce journey times to the airport, and tackle traffic congestion.
But the Woodland Trust says the council proposals are “effectively asking the public to decide what level of damage and loss to ancient woodland they’d prefer”.
A letter drafted by the Woodland Trust, which is being sent to the council by everyone who signs the petition, said: “Infrastructure projects such as the M4 to A48 link, a government-funded road project, should be exemplars of good environmental practice, not destructive schemes where local people are asked to choose which precious ancient woods should be destroyed.
“This proposal may also lead to further developments in the future to complete the connection. In turn this could result in more ancient woodlands and trees being threatened and the precious habitats that they provide.”
The trust said it’s concerned about areas of woodland at Log Wood, Coed Llwynhywel, Coed Cadw, Coed Waun-lloff and Coed Ffos-ceibr among others.
“We do not own any of the threatened ancient woods so we do not have detailed information about the trees and wildlife they contain,” the trust said.
“However, we do know that as ancient woods they will be home to many important species. Each one is unique and irreplaceable.”
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is consulting the public on the plans until July 17 before making a recommendation.
If the council decides to go ahead with one of the schemes it would put together a full business case asking for Welsh Government funding.
Emma Reed, Vale of Glamorgan Council head of neighbourhood services and transport, said: “A transport appraisal has been carried out to examine the possibility of building a new road between Junction 34 of the M4 and the Sycamore Cross junction of the A48.
“The project also potentially involves building a new parkway station at Junction 34.
“Among the many factors evaluated during this assessment, the effects on the environment and people have been key considerations.
“No decision has yet been made. We are seeking the public’s views on these options and invite any other suggestions until July 17 when consultation on this issue closes.”