Readers will be aware that Transport for Wales will be electrifying the Valleys Lines, to provide less-polluting, modern rolling-stock - whilst doubling the frequency of trains heading north and south.
Our initial response to their plans - and their implications for Radyr and Morganstown - were outlined here. On 15 February our Planning Committee met to discuss TfW's proposals. The Committee's recommendations were then discussed at a full Council meeting on 18 February. The following was discussed and agreed: Planning Application 21/00235/MJR - New vehicular and pedestrian bridge over the Radyr-Pontypridd railway line and associated infrastructure and removal of part of a ruined farm building: Cllr HO Jones (Chair of Planning Committee) presented the recommendations from Planning Committee on the proposed response to the application. Following a wide ranging discussion of the application and implications for the site at Morganstown, Members agreed the following response to be submitted:
Members agreed that Tongwynlais Community Council be informed of the response submitted by RMCC. Note: Amongst its planning application documents TfW did refer briefly to the possibility of building a bridge across the Taff. This is what they said: A further design option, comprising a link to Gelynis Farm across the River Taff to the east was also considered. This was ruled out for a number of reasons, including the need for a significant structure to cross the Taff, the associated likely loss of riparian habitat along the river, the loss of a direct route between Gelynis Farm and Morganstown, the need to upgrade the links to the A470 east of the river, and the need to provide a separate bridge of the railway to accommodate the public footpath. We think a low-cost bridge (replacing the existing footbridge) is worthy of further consideration - and would remove the need to build a large new bridge over the railway - with its associated environmental consequences. As ever, we will keep you posted.
3 Comments
Sue Morgan
23/2/2021 02:02:42 pm
It is so good to see your support in opposing this bridge- your article raises sensible alternative proposals. It is not appropriate for works to proceed as TFW have outlined.
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David Neville
23/2/2021 02:05:40 pm
Interestingly, on the planning documents the right of way that currently exists appears to disappear. It is not being rerouted over the new bridge. This may require clarification fromTfW, as this could have ramifications for the future access to crossing the Taff at this point.
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Sue Morgan
23/2/2021 06:33:51 pm
Would this be to protect whoever eventually lives at the farm and any future development on the land that side of the railway. Surely it needs to be re-routed with access to the river bridge. The proposed road bridge looks quite close to rear of farm house. Thanks for pointing this out. The right of way through the farm has always been there and no access should be lost. People walk over to Asda via that route
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