M4 J34 to A48 Transport Link

IMPROVING STRATEGIC TRANSPORT ENCOMPASSING CORRIDORS FROM M4 JUNCTION 34 TO THE A48 (FIVE MILE LANE) INCLUDING THE PENDOYLAN CORRIDOR (OR

ALTERNATIVE) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

OCTOBER 2017

CONTACT INFORMATION

JANICE HUGHES TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

dd 02920 926770 Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd m 07912 395747 Arcadis Cymru House St Mellons Business Park e [email protected] Fortran Road Cardiff CF3 0EY United Kingdom

Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited is a private limited company registered in England registration number: 1093549. Registered office, Arcadis House, 34 York Way, London, N1 9AB. Part of the Arcadis Group of Companies along with other entities in the UK. Regulated by RICS.

VERSION CONTROL

Version Date Authors Changes

D01 6th October 2017 MF / EM First Draft

D02 9th October 2017 MF / EM Reviewed by JH

This report dated 09 October 2017 has been prepared for the Vale of Glamorgan Council (the “Client”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment dated 14 July 2017 (the “Appointment”) between the Client and Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited (“Arcadis”) for the purposes specified in the Appointment. For avoidance of doubt, no other person(s) may use or rely upon this report or its contents, and Arcadis accepts no responsibility for any such use or reliance thereon by any other third party.

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Purpose of the Study ...... 1 1.2 The Appraisal Area ...... 1 1.3 WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case ...... 1 1.4 Reason for the Study ...... 2 1.5 Context ...... 2 1.6 Report Structure ...... 2

2 STRATEGIC CASE ...... 3 2.1 Overview ...... 3 2.2 Consultation ...... 3 2.3 Policy Context ...... 3 2.4 Identification of Problems ...... 3 2.5 Objectives for the Intervention ...... 4 2.6 Developing Options ...... 4 2.7 Appraisal of Options ...... 5

3 TRANSPORT CASE ...... 28 3.1 Overview ...... 28 3.2 Assessment of Impacts ...... 28

4 DELIVERY CASE ...... 48 4.1 Overview ...... 48 4.2 Review Group ...... 48

5 FINANCIAL CASE ...... 49 5.1 Overview ...... 49 5.2 Assessment ...... 49

6 COMMERCIAL CASE ...... 51 6.1 Overview ...... 51 6.2 Assessment ...... 51

7 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 52

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A WelTAG Guidance Summary

Executive Summary Overview Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited has been commissioned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to develop and appraise potential options for improving the strategic transport network encompassing corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative). The purpose of the study is to examine connectivity to strategic employment sites in the sub-region as well as Cardiff Airport. The appraisal of options has been undertaken in accordance with the Welsh Government’s latest version of WelTAG (June 2016). A summary of the guidance is presented in Appendix A. This WelTAG report presents the development, appraisal and evaluation of transport related projects and has been undertaken with the involvement of key stakeholders. This report is in draft and presents the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case of the WelTAG process. The WelTAG guide states that the purpose of the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case is to ‘understand the issue of concern, explore its context and to present a wide list of possible solutions, with sufficient clarity and depth for the review group to be able to decide whether there are any possible solutions within the transport sector that are worth pursuing and to select a short list of options for more detailed consideration’. Impacts Assessment Report In accordance with the guidance, the WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report is supported by an Impacts Assessment Report, as presented in Appendix B. The Impacts Assessment Report ‘is a live document which is maintained and grows throughout the five WelTAG stages. It becomes a permanent record of the appraisal work on the proposed transport intervention. It contains the detailed evidence behind the summary information provided to decision makers in the Stage reports’. The Impacts Assessment Report provides a summary of the policy framework, the context of the study, detailed information which informed the strategic case and the data sources used within the study. Appraisal Area The appraisal area encompasses corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative). The Stage One assessment of existing transport corridors shall subsequently consider the highway network and sustainable transport within, and where applicable, near to the appraisal area to assess a range of potential transport options. Stakeholder Consultation A stakeholder workshop was undertaken on Thursday 7th September 2017 between 16:00 and 18:00 at the Vale of Glamorgan Council Barry Docks Offices and again at Pendoylan War Memorial Hall between 10.00 and 12.00 on Tuesday 19th September, to which representatives from key stakeholders from across the area representing the community councils, local authorities, key employers, public organisations and transport providers were invited. The workshops informed all of the key stages of the strategic case, whereby stakeholders were asked to discuss and identify problems, opportunities and constraints, set objectives and identify and discuss potential transport options. In order to inform the discussions at the workshops a draft list of problems, opportunities and constraints were presented. These were derived from a review of existing policy and background reports/ data specific to the appraisal area. Initial objectives were provided as a starter for the discussion, alongside a list of potential transport solutions. At the workshops stakeholders discussed the problems, objectives and transport options in groups, which were then fed back to the group as a whole. The output from the stakeholder workshops have been used to inform this strategic case. Public Consultation A public consultation event was held on Thursday 21st September 2017 between 14:00 and 19:00 at the Pendoylan War Memorial Hall. The event afforded members of the public the opportunity to provide feedback on the identified options, opportunities, and constraints, as well as consideration and suggestions

for the objectives and potential transport options. The event was attended by members of the Arcadis project team and the Vale of Glamorgan Council officers to facilitate discussion, with specific workstations and feedback forms provided to capture key information from attendees. The output of the public consultation has also been used to inform this strategic case. The Case for Change The highway network through and near to the Pendoylan corridor between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is extensively poor and constrains strategic connectivity including accessibility to and from Cardiff Airport, other key services and strategic employment sites in the Vale of Glamorgan and adjacent authorities, as well as to local/ regional communities. The network at this location comprises narrow lanes with limited passing opportunities, restricted speed as a result of adverse route alignments, and is predominantly non-compliant to current Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) standards. Sustainable transport options are also restricted with no immediate access to local and regional rail services or provision for cycling, and although local bus services do operate through Pendoylan, there are no direct connections to Cardiff Airport or to strategic employment areas to the south. There is subsequently a high reliance on car travel to access regional facilities (including Cardiff Airport) and employment sites with limited public transport options. Existing connections between the M4 corridor and strategic employment sites and the Cardiff Airport are therefore considered poor. Traffic congestion and resilience issues are evident throughout the region particularly affecting the M4 and the A48/ A4232 at Culverhouse Cross during peak commuting hours. There is high car dependency within the local area with 92% of those living within the study area and 76% of those living throughout South East Wales using the car to travel to and from work. The Pendoylan corridor also functions as a ‘rat-run’ during peak times and occasionally accommodates diverted traffic from the M4 corridor during periods of disruption. The resilience of the strategic network throughout this area is anticipated to deteriorate in the medium to long term with committed residential development planned for the region, predominantly in relation to regional Local Development Plans. There are subsequently opportunities to introduce and establish an enhanced and sustainable transport network by improving strategic connectivity southwards from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 and beyond to achieve the following key objectives:

Objective Heading

Objective 1 Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic employment sites in the region.

Objective 2 Increase transport options for strategic access and access to and from local communities.

Objective 3 Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads.

Objective 4 Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural environment including the landscape and settlement character of the study area.

Objective 5 Minimise impacts on communities and support social inclusion and health and well-being.

It is important that the assessment works towards specifically identifying suitable value for money options to improve connectivity and journey times along this corridor, building on the schemes already identified to improve local and strategic accessibility. Hence this WelTAG appraisal has been commissioned to strategically develop, appraise and evaluate transport related projects to improve the connectivity affecting the appraisal area.

Options Following the discussions with stakeholders and consultation with the general public, the long list of options considered within this WelTAG report are:

Reference Heading

Option A Do-minimum

Option B Highway Route Option 1 – East of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Offline)

Option C Highway Route Option 2 – West of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Option D Highway Route Option 3 – West of Pendoylan connecting between Clawdd-Coch and the A48 via Redway Road (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Option E Highway Route Option 4 – East of Welsh St. Donats connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 junction circa 3km west of Sycamore Junction (Offline)

Option F Bus Park & Ride near to M4 Junction 34

Option G Parkway Railway Station including Park & Ride facility and Bus Integration located near to M4 Junction 34

Recommendations Following the appraisal of the seven options it is recommended that the following options are taken forward for further investigation into the feasibility and impacts of the option:  Option B – a highway route east of Pendoylan;  Option C – a highway route west of Pendoylan; and  Option G – parkway station with park and ride facility and bus integration near to M4 Junction 34. The do-minimum option is required as a reference case for consideration of transport options. The provision of a highway link between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is recommended to be included in the Stage Two appraisal as it could bring substantial benefits in terms of connectivity as well as reducing direct impacts on the existing communities. Route options 1 and 2 are favoured as they offer the highest potential gains in journey times as well as less environmental impacts on some factors and it is not considered worthwhile to further assess options D and E. The provision of a bus park and ride is not considered appropriate for further consideration, given the likely limited benefits at this location and alternative sites being brought forward. The provision of a parkway railway station could bring substantial sustainable travel benefits at a regional scale. It would however require the provision of a road link in order to facilitate access to the station from the Vale of Glamorgan, as in options B and C. Moreover, consideration of a parkway station requires technical feasibility work and economic forecasting as part of the Network Rail GRIP process. It is therefore recommended that a Stage Two WelTAG considers options B and C alongside the do-minimum, with the parkway station being a potential add on to the proposals that would add to the benefits of Option B or C. All options require technical analysis, traffic forecasting and cost benefit analysis, to appraise value for money and seek to quantify the impacts.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of the Study Arcadis has been commissioned by Vale of Glamorgan Council to develop and appraise potential options for improving the strategic transport network encompassing corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative). The appraisal of options has been undertaken in accordance with the Welsh Government’s latest version of WelTAG (2017). This WelTAG report presents the development, appraisal and evaluation of transport related projects and has been undertaken with the involvement of key stakeholders and the general public. This report presents the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case of the WelTAG process. A summary of the draft WelTAG guidance is provided in Appendix A. 1.2 The Appraisal Area The appraisal area encompasses the existing transport corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative). The assessment of existing transport corridors considers the highway network and public transport within, through and immediately surrounding the appraisal area. 1.3 WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case The WelTAG guidance states that the purpose of the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case is to ‘understand the issue of concern, explore its context and to present a wide list of possible solutions, with sufficient clarity and depth for the review group to be able to decide whether there are any possible solutions within the transport sector that are worth pursuing and to select a short list of options for more detailed consideration’. As such, this Stage One: Strategic Outline Case report:  Identifies the issue that needs addressing supported by evidence;  Establishes objectives;  Develops a long list of possible solutions, including non-transport interventions;  Assesses a long list of options against the objectives;  Assesses a long list of options against the impacts criteria; and  Selects a short list of options to take forward to the next stage. This Stage One report follows the principle of proportionate appraisal. It presents a largely qualitative appraisal, whilst providing stakeholders and decision makers with greater information and understanding of the problems and potential options. The accompanying Impacts Assessment Report for this Stage One appraisal is presented in Appendix B. In accordance with the WelTAG guidance the significance and scale of the impacts throughout the assessment has been appraised using a seven-point scale, as presented in Table 1. Table 1 WelTAG Seven-Point Assessment Scale

Large beneficial +++

Moderate beneficial ++ Slight beneficial + Neutral 0 Slight adverse - Moderate adverse -- Large adverse ---

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 1.4 Reason for the Study The highway network through and near to the Pendoylan corridor between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is extensively poor and constrains strategic connectivity including accessibility to and from Cardiff Airport, other key services and strategic employment sites and communities in the sub region. The network at this location comprises narrow lanes with limited passing opportunities, restricted speed as a result of adverse route alignments, and is predominantly non-compliant to current DMRB standards. Sustainable transport options are also restricted with no immediate access to local and regional rail services or robust provision for cycling, and although local bus services do operate through Pendoylan, there are no direct connections to Cardiff Airport or to strategic employment areas to the south. There is subsequently a high reliance on car travel to access regional facilities (including Cardiff Airport) and employment sites with limited public transport options. Existing connections between the M4 corridor and Cardiff Airport are therefore considered poor. Traffic congestion and resilience issues are evident throughout the region particularly affecting the M4 corridor and the A48/ A4232 at Culverhouse Cross during peak commuting hours. There is high car dependency within the local area with 92% of those living within the study area and 76% of those living throughout South East Wales using the car to travel to and from work. As a result of congestion, and when there are incidents on the M4, the Pendoylan corridor also functions as a ‘rat-run’. It is proposed to upgrade ‘Five Mile Lane’ from the A48 to the A4226 north west of Barry. This could have the effect of altering trip patterns on the road network including through Pendoylan. In addition, the resilience of the strategic network throughout this area is anticipated to deteriorate in the medium to long term with committed development planned for the region. There are subsequently opportunities to introduce and establish an enhanced and sustainable transport network by improving strategic connectivity southwards from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 and beyond. It is important that the assessment works towards specifically identifying suitable value for money options to improve connectivity and journey times along this corridor, building on the schemes already identified to improve local and strategic accessibility. Hence this WelTAG appraisal has been commissioned to strategically develop, appraise and evaluate transport related projects to improve the connectivity affecting the appraisal area. 1.5 Context A summary of the policy framework within which the Stage One report fits is presented in Section 2 of the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Impacts Assessment Report (Appendix B), alongside the context of the study in terms of the existing travel infrastructure and travel trends presented in Section 3. 1.6 Report Structure This WelTAG report presents the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case WelTAG report, together with the Impacts Assessment Report presented in Appendix B. In accordance with the WelTAG guidance the structure of this report is as follows:  Chapter 2 sets out the strategic case;  Chapter 3 the transport case;  Chapter 4 the delivery case;  Chapter 5 the financial case;  Chapter 6 the commercial case; and  Chapter 7 concludes the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case WelTAG report with a summary of the key conclusions of the appraisal and details on the next steps to be taken forward.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 2 Strategic Case 2.1 Overview The Strategic Case ‘addresses the need for change. It presents an evidence based description of the current situation, describes the likely funding situation if no action is taken and presents the reasons why an intervention is required’. 2.2 Consultation Stakeholder Consultation A stakeholder workshop was undertaken on Thursday 7th September 2017 between 16:00 and 18:00 at the Vale of Glamorgan Council Barry Docks Offices and again at Pendoylan War Memorial Hall between 10.00 and 12.00 on Tuesday 19th September, to which representatives from key stakeholders from across the area representing the community councils, local authorities, key employers, public organisations and transport providers were invited. The workshops informed all of the key stages of the strategic case, whereby stakeholders were asked to discuss and identify problems, opportunities and constraints, set objectives and identify and discuss potential transport options. In order to inform the discussions at the workshops a draft list of problems, opportunities and constraints were presented. These were derived from a review of existing policy and background reports/ data specific to the appraisal area. Initial objectives were provided as a starter for the discussion, alongside a list of potential transport solutions. At the workshops stakeholders discussed the problems, objectives and transport options in groups, which were then fed back to the group as a whole. The output from the stakeholder workshops have been used to inform this strategic case. Public Consultation A public consultation event was held on Thursday 21st September 2017 between 14:00 and 19:00 at the Pendoylan War Memorial Hall. The event afforded members of the public the opportunity to provide feedback on the identified options, opportunities, and constraints, as well as consideration and suggestions for the objectives and potential transport options. The event was attended by members of the Arcadis project team and the Vale of Glamorgan Council officers to facilitate discussion, with specific workstations and feedback forms provided to capture key information from attendees. The output of the public consultation has also been used to inform this strategic case. 2.3 Policy Context The key policies at the local, regional and national levels, highlighting the policies and proposed delivery programmes and schemes (subject to the availability of funding) that are relevant to this study are presented in the Impacts Assessment Report (Appendix B). 2.4 Identification of Problems The identified issues that require addressing are summarised below, which have been identified through analysing local data, reference to previous feasibility reports and policy, and consultation with stakeholders and members of the public. The identified problems are as presented in Table 2. Table 2 Identification of Problems

Reference Heading

P01 Poor highway infrastructure between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 leading to poor access for local communities and businesses.

P02 Poor sustainable access to Cardiff Airport and strategic destinations.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Reference Heading

P03 High use of the private car for local and regional trips (e.g. journeys to work).

P04 Existing congestion issues at M4 Junction 34 and on the A48 which are likely to worsen with the committed developments in the area.

P05 Poor infrastructure and local connectivity by walking and cycling.

P06 Environmental issues associated with high use of the car, including adverse greenhouse emissions and noise pollution.

P07 Accessibility for HGVs.

P08 Adverse road safety conditions along existing routes non-compliant to current DMRB highway standards.

2.5 Objectives for the Intervention The objectives for the intervention have been derived from general and transport-specific objectives as set by the Welsh Government. Section 4 of the Impacts Assessment Report in Appendix B sets out how stakeholders have informed the development of the objectives and how the proposed objectives positively contribute to Welsh Government policy. The final objectives for the intervention are as outlined in Table 3. Table 3 Final Proposed Objectives

Objective Heading

Objective 1 Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic employment sites in the region.

Objective 2 Increase transport options for strategic access and access to and from local communities.

Objective 3 Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads.

Objective 4 Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural environment including the landscape and settlement character of the study area.

Objective 5 Minimise impacts on communities and support social inclusion and health and well-being.

2.6 Developing Options The next stage of the WelTAG process is to develop options that alleviate the identified problems and achieve the objectives. At the stakeholder workshops, stakeholders were asked to identify and discuss potential options to improve the strategic transport connections throughout the appraisal area. A number of options were generated including a do-minimum in advance of the stakeholder workshops, in order to inform and encourage discussion. The outline options were taken forward to the public consultation event to progress a robust assessment and to work towards addressing the identified problems affecting the appraisal area. Following the discussions by stakeholders and feedback arising from the public consultation, the long list of options that are considered within this WelTAG report encompass options as set out in Table 4. With respect to highway options, these were presented as route options, without specific routes being presented. Table 4 Outline Options for WelTAG Stage One Assessment

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Reference Heading

Option A Do-minimum

Option B Highway Route Option 1 – East of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Offline)

Option C Highway Route Option 2 – West of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Option D Highway Route Option 3 – West of Pendoylan connecting between Clawdd-Coch and the A48 via Redway Road (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Option E Highway Route Option 4 – East of Welsh St. Donats connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 junction circa 3km west of Sycamore Junction (Offline)

Option F Bus Park & Ride near to M4 Junction 34

Option G Parkway Railway Station including Park & Ride facility and Bus Integration located near to M4 Junction 34

2.7 Appraisal of Options At this early stage in the WelTAG process high level options have been identified and defined in order to determine the potential impacts of each option. This section describes each of the options in turn, how it tackles the identified problems, how it meets the objectives, as well as key risks, adverse impacts, constraints and dependencies. The appraisal of the extent the option meets the objectives is described using the WelTAG seven-point assessment scale as set out in Table 1.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option A: Do-Minimum

Description Assume continued delivery of transport enhancements via the Local Transport Plan and utilising existing sources of funding, but assumes no step change in the level of funding or delivery of any major transport enhancements within the study area (assumes current levels of investment). Assumes the continuation of local bus services and community transport at a similar level as present utilising funding at similar levels to existing. Assumes continued work by local authorities and stakeholders to deliver improvements to the transport network, with the overall aim of addressing the identified problems and the outcomes of the relevant transport policies. The Five Mile Lane improvement will be implemented.

How it tackles the Limited available funding (both capital and revenue) and resources are problems unlikely to make a step difference in overcoming the identified problems.

Overall, the do-minimum option is considered to have an adverse effect at meeting the objectives, due to the modest levels of funding currently able to be invested in transport infrastructure and public transport services. It subsequently assumes that background increases in population and traffic growth exceed investment provision to mitigate increasing impacts and pressure on the existing transport network. Moreover, the committed scheme on Five Mile Lane may lead to additional traffic routeing through the study area without other improvements. It should be noted that policies and programmes are in place to facilitate improved transport services but limited funding means that beneficial Overall enhancements are currently difficult to achieve. A negative impact on the environment is forecast as the traffic levels between Junction 34 and the A48 would continue to increase, as well as those on the strategic network, whilst the limited funding means that there is currently poor to moderate accessibility to strategic employment sites and the Airport and a moderate road safety record, as well as a limited promotion and delivery of transport schemes to promote health and well- Objectives being. These problems cannot be addressed without sufficient committed funding and sources to have a beneficial impact.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 - employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 - and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 - and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement - character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 - inclusion and health and well-being

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Key Risks Potential reductions in available funding and resources leading to poor investment in public transport and local highway infrastructure. Do minimum option may mean connectivity to residential areas, strategic economic centres and key services/ facilities (including Cardiff Airport) remains a key issue, and not being seen to tackle existing issues or support local and regional development aspirations.

Adverse Impacts The anticipated increase in annual traffic volumes (general background traffic growth plus local LDP development) is anticipated to have an adverse impact on the environment compared to the existing situation. A poor transport connection remains from the M4 corridor which could affect potential users’ choices for accessing employment centres and key services, including accessibility to and from Cardiff Airport. Potential for a deterioration in highway safety on routes between M4 Junction 34 and A48, most notably through Pendoylan with potential for local increases in traffic flow. Potential for increased congestion on the alternative routes to strategic employment sites including the A4232 and A48. Potential for adverse development of socio-economic opportunities with restrained accessibility to sustainable travel opportunities. Deterioration of the quality of environment and journey times on the Pendoylan corridor encompassing increase journey time delay, environmental issues, and anticipated worsening of highway junction capacity.

Constraints The option is considered to be relatively unconstrained although any restriction with regard to the availability of funding and resources could jeopardise standard maintenance/ enhancement proposals.

Dependencies The implementation of the Five Mile Lane improvement will impact on transport in the study area. The growth of the Airport and strategic employment sites in the sub-region is related to the level of impacts.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option B: Highway Route Option 1 – East of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Offline)

Description It assumed for the purposes of this outline appraisal that Highway Route Option 1 would encompass moderate online improvements at the beginning and end of the existing Pendoylan route between M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Sycamore Cross). The remainder of the route between these two junctions would be offline and bypass Pendoylan to the east of the village. At this stage of the assessment it is assumed that the route would be a single carriageway with the potential to provide integral public transport and segregated cycle route infrastructure, as well as provision for suitable crossing opportunities to retain any connectivity for existing public rights of way. It is assumed that implementation of a bypass would be inclusive of junction improvements to improve highway capacity, specifically improvements to M4 Junction 34 and A48 Sycamore Cross junction to establish enhanced route journey time and connectivity improvements.

How it tackles the Option B has the potential to tackle the following problems – P01 / P02 / problems P04 / P05 / P07 / P08  The option would represent a significant highway infrastructure improvement between M4 Junction 34 and A48 with significant potential for improved vehicle journey time and reliability.  The option would provide robust infrastructure to support the promotion and development of sustainable transport options.  Congestion issues at M4 Junction 34 could be mitigated via the implementation of localised junction improvements.  There is opportunity to provide integral bus infrastructure, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure encompassing connectivity to existing routes.  The option would provide a new route compliant with current DMRB highway standards in comparison to the broadly non-compliant existing routes through the study area. Improved accessibility for HGV’s would also be realised.

O1: There is potential to significantly improve strategic connectivity in the region including accessibility to and from local/ regional employment centres and communities, as well as access to services and facilities including Cardiff Airport. The option provides direct interconnectivity with Five Mile Lane via the Sycamore Cross junction (A48) allowing for improved journey time potential to and from Cardiff Airport. O2: Whilst the implementation of a new highway route has the potential to significantly promote the development of other transport modes options by Objectives Overall establishing infrastructure anticipated to support the improvement of vehicle journey times and reliability, this is a highways based option. The highway benefits noted are therefore likely to establish an increase in car trips as opposed to deliver increased trips by sustainable modes of transport. However, cycling and bus infrastructure would be integrated with the scheme, bringing some benefits for sustainable travel options. O3: A new route implemented to current highway design standards in combination with the associated junction improvements is anticipated to establish improved network resilience and road safety. Reduced traffic flows

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

through the settlements of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch is also anticipated to enhance local highway conditions along the predominantly sub-standard route, both day-to-day and following periods of disruption (diverted traffic) associated with the M4 corridor. There would be changes in traffic routeing on the strategic network that may relieve congestion on the M4 Junction 33, and A4232/ A48 Culverhouse Cross, but there is also potential for increased traffic flow resulting from the new route would have the potential to establish more adverse conditions at other strategic junctions (especially junctions already identified as sensitive) that would require formal assessment to determine any such impact. O4: The option has the potential for a large adverse impact with regard to the natural and built environment both through the construction of a new bypass (predominantly upon an existing green field site), the transposition of existing hedgerow adjacent to existing online sections of highway, adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural landscape characteristics of the area, and the potential increase in road traffic as more people may choose to drive due to time savings and greater journey reliability. Increases in traffic flows would likely result in adverse climate change impacts, and potential adverse noise pollution and air quality impacts for dwellings situated close the route. O5: This option would minimise transport impacts on the existing community of Pendoylan by being offline and likely to lead to a reduction in traffic through the village. There is potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by affording improved access to local services and facilities. There is however potential for the new highway route to change traffic patterns in the region traffic that could establish an adverse impact on health and well-being for residents living near to the new route and those living adjacent to existing strategic roads.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 +++ employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 + and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 ++ and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement --- character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 ++ inclusion and health and well-being

Key Risks Requires a high level of capital investment. Delivery would be in the medium to long term, given the planning requirements, likely funding constraints in current programmes and development work required to take the option forward. There are already a number of large scale transport schemes currently in the Welsh Government’s infrastructure delivery programmes (such as the M4 motorway and Five Mile Lane, for example) which require significant capital funding and resources. There may be the opportunity for funding under the City Deal. Any proposal would need to demonstrate robust regional/ national value against other large scale transport schemes and

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

City Deal proposals. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations, including the potential for protected species to be located along the route. Buried archaeological features have the potential to add time and cost to any scheme and may impact on route alignments. Route uncertainties (including topography and ground conditions) make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs, and associated impacts. Discussions indicate there may be significant ground condition constraints with this route option. Potential inability for the option to establish effective improvements to junctions and journey time reliability from either end of the new route. Option would require a detailed route study to provide robust construction costs, land acquisition costs, as well as preliminary environmental and business case assessments (journey time savings etc.).

Adverse Impacts Potential significant adverse impact on the environment including landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Potential to encourage more local and strategic journeys to be undertaken by car or HGVs. There is potential for increases in traffic flow to adversely affect capacity at existing strategic junctions within the Vale of Glamorgan and neighbouring local authorities leading to reduced journey times. Potential severance of existing businesses and dwellings. Impact on residents situated adjacent or near to the proposed route (predominantly affecting the settlements of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch). Impact on local communities during construction. Delay to road users (car, HGVs and public and community transport) during construction, although this would be lessened for this offline option compared to other options following the existing route for a longer distance. Would require a high level of capital investment, which may have implications on the delivery of other capital schemes in the region for a number of years, including the delivery of more sustainably driven measures.

Constraints Availability of funding and resources. Environmental considerations including the potential for protected species along the proposed route. Land ownership constraints. Route uncertainty at this stage make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs.

Dependencies Masterplan proposals for Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zone, as well as other major developments in the region. Impacts on available revenue/ maintenance budgets. Ability to acquire all land required to facilitate the option.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option C: Highway Route Option 2 – West of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Description It is assumed for the purposes of this outline appraisal that Option C would encompass a part improvement of the existing online route between M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Sycamore Cross) together with new offline sections including a by-pass to the west of Pendoylan village and east of Clawdd- Coch. The option would establish a DMRB compliant route. At this stage of the assessment it is assumed that the route would be a single carriageway with the potential to provide integral public transport and segregated cycle route infrastructure, as well as provision for suitable crossing opportunities to retain any connectivity for existing public rights of way. It is assumed that implementation of an improved route would be inclusive of junction improvements to improve highway capacity, specifically improvements to M4 Junction 34 and A48 Sycamore Cross junction to establish enhanced route journey time and connectivity improvements.

How it tackles the Option C has the potential to tackle the following problems – P01 / P02 / problems P04 / P05 / P07 / P08  The option would represent a significant highway infrastructure improvement between M4 Junction 34 and A48 with significant potential for improved vehicle journey time and reliability.  The option would provide robust infrastructure to support the promotion and development of sustainable transport options.  Congestion issues at M4 Junction 34 could be mitigated via the implementation of localised junction improvements.  There is opportunity to provide integral bus infrastructure, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure encompassing connectivity to existing routes.  The option would provide a new route compliant with current DMRB highway standards in comparison to the broadly non-compliant existing routes through the study area. Improved accessibility for HGV’s would also be realised.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

through the village of Pendoylan is also anticipated to enhance local highway conditions along the predominantly sub-standard route, both day- to-day and following periods of disruption (diverted traffic) associated with the M4 corridor. There would be changes in traffic routeing on the strategic network that may relieve congestion on the M4 Junction 33, and A4232/ A48 Culverhouse Cross, but there is also potential for increased traffic flow resulting from the new route would have the potential to establish more adverse conditions at other strategic junctions (especially junctions already identified as sensitive) that would require formal assessment to determine any such impact. O4: The option has the potential for a large adverse impact with regard to the natural and built environment both through the construction of a new road alignment, (predominantly upon an existing green field site), the transposition of existing hedgerow adjacent to existing extensive online sections of highway, adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural landscape characteristics of the area, and the potential increase in road traffic as more people may choose to drive due to time savings and greater journey reliability. Increases in traffic flows would likely result in adverse climate change impacts, and potential adverse noise pollution and air quality impacts for dwellings situated close the route. O5: This option would reduce transport impacts on the existing community of Pendoylan once constructed but may increase impacts on Clawdd-Coch, depending on alignment. There is potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by affording improved access to local services and facilities. There is however potential for the new highway route to change traffic patterns in the region traffic that could establish an adverse impact on health and well-being for residents living near to the new route and those living adjacent to existing strategic roads.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 +++ employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 + and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 ++ and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement --- character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 + inclusion and health and well-being

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

City Deal proposals. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations, including the potential for protected species to be located along the route. Buried archaeological features have the potential to add time and cost to any scheme and may impact on route alignments. Route uncertainties (including topography and ground conditions) make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs, and associated impacts. Potential inability for the option to establish effective improvements to junctions and journey time reliability from either end of the new route. Option would require a detailed route study to provide robust construction costs, land acquisition costs, as well as preliminary environmental and business case assessments (journey time savings etc.).

Adverse Impacts Potential significant adverse impact on the environment including landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Potential to encourage more local and strategic journeys to be undertaken by car or HGVs. There is potential for increases in traffic flow to adversely affect capacity at existing strategic junctions within the Vale of Glamorgan and neighbouring local authorities leading to reduced journey times. Potential severance of existing businesses and dwellings. Impact on residents situated adjacent or near to the proposed route (predominantly affecting the settlements of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch). Impact on local communities during construction, which given the proximity to the settlements, could be significant for this option. Delay to road users (car, HGVs and public and community transport) during construction. Would require a high level of capital investment, which may have implications on the delivery of other capital schemes in the region for a number of years, including the delivery of more sustainable measures.

Constraints Availability of funding and resources. Environmental considerations including the potential for protected species along the proposed route. Land ownership constraints Route uncertainty at this stage make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option D: Highway Route Option 3 –West of Pendoylan connecting between Clawdd-Coch and the A48 via Redway Road (Part Online/ Part Offline)

Description It is assumed for the purposes of this outline appraisal that Option D would provide a DMRB compliant route between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 via Redway Road. This would encompass online improvements between M4 Junction 34 and Clawdd-Coch, together with online improvements to the southern end of Redway Road at its interconnection with the A48. In addition, a new offline section would interconnect with the enhanced online sections to the north and south, by-passing Pendoylan to the west. At this stage of the assessment it is assumed that the route would be a single carriageway with the potential to provide integral public transport and segregated cycle route infrastructure, as well as provision for suitable crossing opportunities to retain any connectivity for existing public rights of way. It is assumed that implementation of a bypass would be inclusive of junction improvements to improve highway capacity, specifically improvements to M4 Junction 34 and A48/ Redway Road junction to establish enhanced route journey time and connectivity improvements.

How it tackles the Option D has the potential to tackle the following problems – P01 / P02 / problems P04 / P05 / P07 / P08  The option would represent a significant highway infrastructure improvement between M4 Junction 34 and A48 with significant potential for improved vehicle journey time and reliability.  The option would provide robust infrastructure to support the promotion and development of sustainable transport options.  Congestion issues at M4 Junction 34 could be mitigated via the implementation of localised junction improvements.  There is opportunity to provide integral bus infrastructure, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure encompassing connectivity to existing routes.  The option would provide a new route compliant with current DMRB highway standards in comparison to the broadly non-compliant existing routes through the study area. Improved accessibility for HGV’s would also be realised.

O1: There is potential to significantly improve strategic connectivity throughout the region including accessibility to and from local/ regional employment centres and communities, as well as access to services and facilities including Cardiff Airport. A slightly reduced benefit (moderate) has been applied in comparison to Highway Route Options 1 and 2 given the proposed route via Redway Road circa 1.35km west of the Sycamore Cross junction (A48), reducing direct connectivity to Five Mile Lane for onward Objectives Overall travel south towards Cardiff Airport and other employment/ service centres. O2: Whilst the implementation of a new highway route has the potential to promote the development of other transport modes options by establishing infrastructure anticipated to support the improvement of vehicle journey times and reliability, this is a highways based option. The highway benefits noted are therefore likely to establish an increase in car trips as opposed to deliver increased trips by sustainable modes of transport. However, cycling and bus infrastructure would be integrated with the scheme, bringing some

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

benefits for sustainable travel options. O3: A new route implemented to current highway design standards in combination with the associated junction improvements is anticipated to establish improved network resilience and road safety. Reduced traffic flows through the village of Pendoylan is also anticipated to enhance local highway conditions along the predominantly sub-standard route, both day- to-day and following periods of disruption (diverted traffic) associated with the M4 corridor. There would be changes in traffic routeing on the strategic network that may relieve congestion on the M4 Junction 33, and A4232/ A48 Culverhouse Cross, but there is also potential for increased traffic flow resulting from the new route would have the potential to establish more adverse conditions at other strategic junctions (especially junctions already identified as sensitive) that would require formal assessment to determine any such impact. Increased traffic turning movements that would be experienced at the A48/ Redway Road junction in addition (and close proximity) to the already extant Sycamore Cross junction has resulted in a slightly reduced benefit to that applied for Highway Route Options 1 and 2. O4: The option has the potential for a large adverse impact with regard to the natural and built environment both through the construction of a new road alignment, (predominantly upon an existing green field site), the transposition of existing hedgerow adjacent to existing extensive online sections of highway, adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural landscape characteristics of the area, and the potential increase in road traffic as more people may choose to drive due to time savings and greater journey reliability. Increases in traffic flows would likely result in adverse climate change impacts, and potential adverse noise pollution and air quality impacts for dwellings situated close the route. O5: This option would reduce transport impacts on the existing community of Pendoylan once constructed but may increase impacts on Clawdd-Coch, depending on alignment. Moreover, given that the alignment is to the west of Sycamore Cross, traffic may continue to rat-run through Pendoylan to connect to Five Mile Lane. There is potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by affording improved access to local services and facilities. There is however potential for the new highway route to change traffic patterns in the region traffic that could establish an adverse impact on health and well-being for residents living near to the new route and those living adjacent to existing strategic roads.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 ++ employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 + and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 + and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement --- character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 0 inclusion and health and well-being

Key Risks Requires a high level of capital investment.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Delivery would be in the medium to long term, given the planning requirements, likely funding constraints in current programmes and development work required to take the option forward. There are already a number of large scale transport schemes currently in the Welsh Government’s infrastructure delivery programmes (such as the M4 motorway and Five Mile Lane, for example) which require significant capital funding and resources. There may be the opportunity for funding under the City Deal. Any proposal would need to demonstrate robust regional/ national value against other large scale transport schemes and City Deal proposals. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations, including the potential for protected species to be located along the route. Buried archaeological features have the potential to add time and cost to any scheme and may impact on route alignments. Route uncertainties (including topography and ground conditions) make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs, and associated impacts. Potential inability for the option to establish effective improvements to junctions and journey time reliability from either end of the new route. Option would require a detailed route study to provide robust construction costs, land acquisition costs, as well as preliminary environmental and business case assessments (journey time savings etc.).

Adverse Impacts Potential significant adverse impact on the environment including landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Potential to encourage more local and strategic journeys to be undertaken by car or HGVs. There is potential for increases in traffic flow to adversely affect capacity at existing strategic junctions within the Vale of Glamorgan and neighbouring local authorities leading to reduced journey times. Potential severance of existing businesses and dwellings. Impact on residents situated adjacent or near to the proposed route (predominantly affecting the settlement of Clawdd-Coch). Impact on local communities during construction, which given the proximity to the settlements, could be significant for this option. Delay to road users (car, HGVs and public and community transport) during construction. Would require a high level of capital investment, which may have implications on the delivery of other capital schemes in the region for a number of years, including the delivery of more sustainably driven measures.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option E: Highway Route Option 4 – East of Welsh St. Donats connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at junction circa 3km west of Sycamore Junction (offline)

Description It is assumed for the purposes of this outline appraisal that Option E would provide a DMRB compliant route between M4 Junction 34 and an extant A48 junction situated circa 3km west of Sycamore Junction. The option, by- passing Pendoylan to the west, would be predominantly offline throughout its entire length aside from a small section connecting south from M4 Junction 34. At this stage of the assessment it is assumed that the route would be a single carriageway with the potential to provide integral public transport and segregated cycle route infrastructure, as well as provision for suitable crossing opportunities to retain any connectivity for existing public rights of way. It is assumed that implementation of the route would be inclusive of junction improvements to improve highway capacity, specifically improvements to M4 Junction 34 and associated A48 junction to establish enhanced route journey time and connectivity improvements.

How it tackles the Option E has the potential to tackle the following problems – P01 / P02 / problems P04 / P05 / P07 / P08  The option would represent a significant highway infrastructure improvement between M4 Junction 34 and A48 with significant potential for improved vehicle journey time and reliability.  The option would provide robust infrastructure to support the promotion and development of sustainable transport options.  Congestion issues at M4 Junction 34 could be mitigated via the implementation of localised junction improvements.  There is opportunity to provide integral bus infrastructure, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure encompassing connectivity to existing routes.  The option would provide a new route compliant with current DMRB highway standards in comparison to the broadly non-compliant existing routes through the study area. Improved accessibility for HGV’s would also be realised.

O1: There is potential to significantly improve strategic connectivity throughout the region including accessibility to and from local/ regional employment centres and communities, as well as access to services and facilities including Cardiff Airport. A reduced benefit (minor) has been applied in comparison to Highway Route Options 1, 2 and 3 given the proposed route is circa 3km west of the Sycamore Cross junction (A48), reducing direct connectivity to Five Mile Lane for onward travel south towards Cardiff Airport and other employment/ service centres and Objectives Overall increasing journey time for journeys north to south. O2: Whilst the implementation of a new highway route has the potential to promote the development of other transport modes options by establishing infrastructure anticipated to support the improvement of vehicle journey times and reliability, this is a highways based option. The highway benefits noted are therefore likely to establish an increase in car trips as opposed to deliver increased trips by sustainable modes of transport. However, cycling and bus infrastructure would be integrated with the scheme, bringing some

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

benefits for sustainable travel options. O3: A new route implemented to current highway design standards in combination with the associated junction improvements is anticipated to establish improved network resilience and road safety. Reduced traffic flows through the village of Pendoylan is also anticipated to enhance local highway conditions along the predominantly sub-standard route, both day- to-day and following periods of disruption (diverted traffic) associated with the M4 corridor. There would be changes in traffic routeing on the strategic network that may relieve congestion on the M4 Junction 33, and A4232/ A48 Culverhouse Cross, but there is also potential for increased traffic flow resulting from the new route would have the potential to establish more adverse conditions at other strategic junctions (especially junctions already identified as sensitive) that would require formal assessment to determine any such impact. Increased traffic turning movements that would be experienced at the A48/ new link road junction in addition to the Sycamore Cross junction has resulted in a slightly reduced benefit to that applied for Highway Route Options 1 and 2. O4: The option has the potential for a large adverse impact with regard to the natural and built environment both through the construction of a new road alignment, (predominantly upon an existing green field site), the transposition of existing hedgerow adjacent to existing extensive online sections of highway, adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural landscape characteristics of the area, and the potential increase in road traffic as more people may choose to drive due to time savings and greater journey reliability. Increases in traffic flows would likely result in adverse climate change impacts, and potential adverse noise pollution and air quality impacts for dwellings situated close the route. O5: This option would reduce transport impacts on the existing communities of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch. However, given that the alignment is to the west of Sycamore Cross, traffic may continue to rat-run through Pendoylan to connect to Five Mile Lane. There is potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by affording improved access to local services and facilities. There is however potential for the new highway route to change traffic patterns in the region traffic that could establish an adverse impact on health and well-being for residents living near to the new route and those living adjacent to existing strategic roads.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 + employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 + and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 + and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement --- character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 0 inclusion and health and well-being

Key Risks Requires a high level of capital investment. Delivery would be in the medium to long term, given the planning

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

requirements, likely funding constraints in current programmes and development work required to take the option forward. There are already a number of large scale transport schemes currently in the Welsh Government’s infrastructure delivery programmes (such as the M4 motorway and Five Mile Lane, for example) which require significant capital funding and resources. There may be the opportunity for funding under the City Deal. Any proposal would need to demonstrate robust regional/ national value against other large scale transport schemes and City Deal proposals. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations, including the potential for protected species to be located along the route. Buried archaeological features have the potential to add time and cost to any scheme and may impact on route alignments. Route uncertainties (including topography and ground conditions) make it difficult to fully understand the engineering constraints and potential costs, and associated impacts. Potential inability for the option to establish effective improvements to junctions and journey time reliability from either end of the new route. Option would require a detailed route study to provide robust construction costs, land acquisition costs, as well as preliminary environmental and business case assessments (journey time savings etc.).Potential significant adverse impact on the environment including landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Adverse Impacts Potential significant adverse impact on the environment including landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Potential to encourage more local and strategic journeys to be undertaken by car or HGVs. There is potential for increases in traffic flow to adversely affect capacity at existing strategic junctions within the Vale of Glamorgan and neighbouring local authorities leading to reduced journey times. Potential severance of existing businesses and dwellings. Impact on properties during construction. Delay to road users (car, HGVs and public and community transport) during construction. Would require a high level of capital investment, which may have implications on the delivery of other capital schemes in the region for a number of years, including the delivery of more sustainably driven measures.

Dependencies Masterplan proposals for Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zone, as

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

well as other major developments in the region. Impacts on available revenue/ maintenance budgets. Ability to acquire all land required to facilitate the option.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option F: Bus Park and Ride near to M4 Junction 34

Description Implementation of a new bus park and ride facility at a location near to M4 Junction 34. It is anticipated that such a facility could enable frequent bus services to and from Cardiff Airport, as well as other key regional employment centres including routes into Cardiff. Specific design deliverables would be subject to feasibility assessment but would be anticipated to encompass free and secure car parking, covered cycle parking facilities and waiting areas including toilet facilities, as well as support staff situated on-site. This option has been considered in isolation in terms of the impact assessment to differentiate the impacts from the highways options. However, it is recognised that it would only be a viable option if there are highway improvements between M4 Junction 34 and the A48. A new bus park and ride would therefore be reliant upon existing highway network infrastructure for connectivity.

How it tackles the Option F has the potential to tackle the following problems – P02 / P03 / problems P04 / P06  A new bus park and ride facility has the potential to make travel by non- car means an attractive option, reducing dependency on the private car.  The option has the potential to positively support improved sustainable accessibility to and from Cardiff Airport as well as other strategic destinations. This would be most applicable to Airport staff and employees of nearby businesses.  The option has the potential to help mitigate existing congestion issues on the M4 east of Junction 34, the A4232 and A48 by encouraging trips to be made by more sustainable means.  The potential to remove car trips from the local and regional highway network is anticipated to help mitigate adverse environmental issues associated with high use of the car, including adverse greenhouse emissions and noise pollution.

Where noted below, the extent to which car based trips could be reduced as a result of this sustainable option is related to the provision of a new highway route that could facilitate improvements to bus journey times and journey time reliability through the study area. O1: This option provides an opportunity to help contribute towards enhanced sustainable connectivity within the region, with an additional means of gaining access to Cardiff Airport and strategic employment sites by public transport for a section of the overall journey. O2: The option would help promote transport options with the potential to Objectives Overall reduce both local and strategic car based trips. Significant mode shift from the car to sustainable transport could be constrained by the journey time by bus into Cardiff and the fact that it would be of limited benefits to airport passengers. O3: Enhancing options for travel by sustainable modes of transport is anticipated to reduce the distance of car based trips on the strategic network, particularly for journeys from the west of M4 Junction 34. There may be a reduction in trips on some parts of the road network, but there can also be increased trips in other locations, notably in the vicinity of M4 Junction 34.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

O4: It is anticipated that a new bus park and ride facility would be constructed on a greenfield site resulting in an adverse impact on the natural environment, as well as an adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural characteristics of the area. The potential for the option to reduce the distance of car based trips would however retain a long-term positive impact on the effects of climate change, with a perceived reduction in associated vehicle emissions as well as reductions in noise pollution. Overall the impact is assessed as neutral. O5: Option F has the potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by expanding transport options and affording improved sustainable accessibility. The potential for attracting increased travel by sustainable modes of transport has the potential to reduce traffic flow along the Pendoylan corridor and subsequently decrease noise and air pollution, allowing for potential localised improvements for health and well- being.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 + employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 + and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 0 and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement 0 character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 + inclusion and health and well-being

Key Risks The option is likely to involve a moderate level of cost. There can be ongoing revenue deficits associated with park and ride. Availability of funding. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Potentially competing facilities which have shorter journeys times to Cardiff city centre, such as off M4 Junction 33. Land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations (time and cost). Is there sufficient demand to justify the investment when availability of funding is diminishing? This would require further analysis. Potential reductions in available funding and resources to support proposed services, both initial investment and ongoing support.

Adverse Impacts Environmental considerations on the natural environment and construction impact.

Constraints Bus service journey times and reliability between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 would be dependent on the improvements of the highway links otherwise it is reliant on the existing road network and constrained by existing limitations throughout the Pendoylan corridor (I.e. narrow lanes and non-compliance with current design standards).

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Bus integration provision would benefit from promotion and marketing of services, such as utilising the full potential of social media to maximise patronage and attract new passengers. Subject to further analysis and as part of a viable financial business case, the ability to deliver a competitive fare price structure could be essential in achieving suitable patronage, in competition from other forms of transport and the availability of Cardiff Airport car parking, for example.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option G: Parkway Railway Station including Park & Ride facility and Bus Integration located near to M4 Junction 34

Description The options encompasses the implementation of a new parkway railway station near to M4 Junction 34 including a park and ride facility and bus integration. It would be assumed that a new railway station at this location would provide frequent rail service east towards Cardiff and west towards Swansea, with a large park and ride facility allowing for robust integration for passengers. It is anticipated that any such facility would provide an integrated bus service between the railway station and Cardiff Airport, as well as other regional employment centres. Specific deliverables would be subject to feasibility assessment but would be anticipated to encompass free and secure car parking, ticket office, waiting areas including café and toilet facilities, covered cycle parking facilities, as well as support staff situated on-site. This option has been considered in isolation in terms of the impact assessment to differentiate the impacts from the highways options. However, it is recognised that it would only be a viable option if there are highway improvements between M4 Junction 34 and the A48. A new parkway rail station would therefore be reliant upon existing highway network infrastructure for connectivity from the south.

How it tackles the Option G has the potential to tackle the following problems – P02 / P03 / problems P04 / P06  A new parkway railway station with bus integration has the potential to make travel by non-car means an attractive option, reducing dependency on the private car. This may have regional benefits, notably for rail service access to and from the A4119/ Rhondda Valley area, as well as from the A48 corridor in the Vale of Glamorgan.  The option has the potential to positively support improved sustainable accessibility to and from Cardiff Airport as well as other strategic destinations that are regional and outside of Wales.  The option has the potential to help mitigate existing congestion issues on the A48 by encouraging trips to be made by more sustainable means.  The potential to remove car trips from the local and regional highway network is anticipated to help mitigate adverse environmental issues associated with high use of the car, including adverse greenhouse emissions and noise pollution.

Where noted below, the extent to which car based trips could be reduced as a result of this sustainable option is related to the provision of a new highway route that could facilitate the additional traffic movements including buses to and from a parkway station from the Vale of Glamorgan. O1: Option G provides a significant opportunity to contribute towards Objectives Overall enhanced sustainable connectivity within and to and from the region. If developed in combination with bus services to and from the airport and strategic employment sites, there is potential for significant modal shift to public transport. O2: The option would help promote sustainable access with the potential to reduce both local and strategic car based trips. There may be changes in traffic patterns to access the station which would need to be investigated.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

O3: Enhancing options for travel by sustainable modes of transport is anticipated to reduce the number of car based trips throughout the region. Reduced traffic flows on the strategic highway network subsequently has the potential to improve highway network resilience and road safety particularly on the M4, A48 and A4232 routes, but also on the A4119 north of M4 Junction 34, although traffic would be generated on routes to and from the parkway station. O4: It is anticipated that a new rail parkway facility would be constructed on a greenfield site resulting in an adverse impact on the natural environment, as well as an adverse visual impact affecting the extant rural characteristics of the area. There are flood risk and biodiversity constraints along the rail corridor which might mean adverse impacts from a station facility. The potential for the option to reduce the number of car based trips could however retain a long-term positive impact on the effects of climate change, with a reduction in associated vehicle emissions as well as reductions in noise pollution. O5: Option G has the potential to proactively enhance social inclusion throughout the region by expanding transport options and affording improved sustainable accessibility.

Enhance connectivity to Cardiff Airport and strategic O1 +++ employment sites in the region

Increase transport options for strategic access and access to O2 +++ and from local communities

Improve network resilience and road safety on the M4, A48 O3 + and A4232 corridors and other connecting roads

Protect and enhance the historic, built and natural O4 environment including the landscape and settlement - character of the study area

Minimise impacts on communities and support social O5 ++ inclusion and health and well-being

Key Risks The option is likely to involve a high level of cost. Delivery would be in the medium to long term, given the planning requirements, likely funding constraints in current programmes and development work required to take the option forward. There are already a number of large scale transport schemes currently in the Welsh Government’s infrastructure delivery programmes which require significant capital funding and resources. There may be the opportunity for funding under the City Deal. Any proposal would need to demonstrate robust regional/ national value against other large scale transport schemes and City Deal proposals. Potential reductions in available funding and resources. Constructability and operational impacts of a new railway station on the South Wales Main Line. There would be a need for feasibility work to be undertaken. Suitable land availability and land acquisitions (time and cost). Environmental considerations (time and cost). Is there sufficient demand to justify the investment when availability of

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

funding is diminishing? This would require further analysis.

Adverse Impacts Environmental considerations on the natural environment and construction impact.

Constraints The availability of suitable capacity on the South Wales Main Line to accommodate additional rail services, and impact on existing stations and services (e.g. Pontyclun). Bus service journey times and reliability between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 would be dependent on the improvements to the existing road network. Availability of funding and resources. Bus integration provision would benefit from promotion and marketing of services, such as utilising the full potential of social media to maximise patronage and attract new passengers. Subject to further analysis and as part of a viable financial business case, the ability to deliver a competitive fare price structure could be essential in achieving suitable patronage, in competition from other forms of transport and the availability of Cardiff Airport car parking, for example.

Dependencies Improvement of highway links between M4 Junction 34 and the A48, and upgrade of M4 Junction 34. Masterplans for Cardiff Airport and strategic employment sites. Welsh Government priorities and committed expenditure. Local authority delivery programmes. Development of new highway infrastructure to realise the full potential for any proposed bus park and ride scheme integrating with a new parkway railway station by establishing robust journey times and reliability. Investment and ‘buy-in’ from rail industry/ train operator. Ability to acquire all land required to facilitate the option.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 3 Transport Case 3.1 Overview The aim of the Transport Case is to ‘present the narrative for each option in more detail as to how each proposed solution will meet the need identified In the Strategic Case and the objectives set’. The transport case presents the impacts of each option under the headings of social, environmental and economic impacts and an evidence based assessment of the following:  What the impacts will be;  The scale of those impacts;  Where will they occur; and  Who/ what will experience them. 3.2 Assessment of Impacts An assessment of effects for each of the options has been undertaken. A largely qualitative assessment of the impacts against each of the criteria has been undertaken as there is only preliminary data available at this stage in the WelTAG process. The WelTAG seven point assessment scale, as set out in Table 1, has been used to present the scale of the impact and has been determined using professional judgement and information presented in the Impacts Assessment Report.

Option A: Do-Minimum

Impacts Scale

Social

Physical Activity A neutral impact on physical activity, due to low levels of funding 0 currently being invested in the infrastructure.

Journey Quality The highway network through and surrounding the Pendoylan corridor between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is extensively non- compliant to current standards. The majority of the route retains narrow lanes with restricted passing opportunities, especially where vehicle conflict arises for medium to large good vehicles. The route also absorbs diverted traffic in the event of incidents - along the M4 corridor. A step change in the level of investment in the infrastructure is required to deliver journey quality improvements. Without this, the journey quality will deteriorate further.

Accidents Several accidents have been identified within the study area between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 (2011 – 2015). An increase - in investment is required to deliver road safety improvements given the sub-standard conditions of the existing route.

Security A neutral impact on security due to relatively low levels of security 0 measures needed for transport modes in the study area

Access to Sustainable transport options and highway infrastructure provision Employment would require a significant level of investment to deliver improved accessibility to employment. The existing highway network - contained within the study area does not facilitate reliable or convenient access to strategic employment sites and is currently

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

unlikely to support significant economic growth within the region. The car (or van) is the dominant mode of travel to work across Vale of Glamorgan and South East Wales as a whole. 76% of those commuting within South East Wales drive to work whilst 92% of those living locally in the study area use a car. As development takes place, the poor transport network and minimal investment could inhibit growth.

Access to Services The Vale of Glamorgan exhibits considerable socio-economic diversity containing some of the most affluent and the most deprived communities in Wales in respect of employment, income, education, health and community safety. The WIMD 2014 for access to services deprivation identifies that large parts of the study area are ranked in the least deprived lower super output areas. 0 A large proportion of retired people live within the study area, who tend to be more reliant on public and community transport to participate fully in the community and get access to essential social and healthcare facilities. In the absence of additional investment, no improvement upon the existing situation is anticipated for those living both locally to the study area as well as throughout the region.

Affordability Problems many people in the region encounter in accessing work, education and healthcare because of lack of available, affordable 0 transport (Cardiff Capital Region Metro Study; 2013). This is unlikely to change without significant transport investment.

Severance Whilst the existing highway network assessed is predominantly sub-standard throughout its entire length, the level of subsequent traffic flow is unlikely to establish significant severance most 0 notably within the communities of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch. No impact identified.

Option and Non-Use There is high use of the private car within throughout the area, Values especially for access to employment. Services and employment are relatively centralised within nearby urban centres however the

available alternate mode options are not always considered viable Does the scheme to accommodate many journey needs (including the available provide alternatives frequency of services and capacity). - for current journeys The do-minimum option would be likely to lead to a continuing and does it change worsening of the resilience of the strategic and local network as the resilience of the traffic flows increase. transport system? An increased level of funding is required to deliver realistic and attractive alternatives to the private car.

Environmental

Noise Road transport is the dominant mode of transport for journeys in the region (2011 Census) and thus contributes to noise and vibration impacts on existing sensitive receptors such as 0 residents, schools and businesses. Whilst no quantitative data on noise levels is available at this stage, modest increases in road traffic in the short to medium term within the Pendoylan corridor

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

would be unlikely to significantly impact upon existing levels of noise or vibration.

Air Quality Based upon the 2016 Air Quality Progress Report for the Vale of Glamorgan, the overall air quality across the county complies with regulations to protect human health1 Data from the 2012 Air Quality Progress Report highlighted that at some locations road traffic emissions of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) were at, or close to, - the relevant annual average concentration of 40 ug/m3. These were recorded at Culverhouse Cross (Vale of Glamorgan, 2013) within the strategic network of interest to this study. Increases in traffic on the strategic network including Culverhouse Cross junction may lead to a further deterioration in air quality.

Greenhouse Gasses See note for Air Quality. Road transport is the dominant mode of transport for journeys in the region (2011 Census) and thus contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. - Within the strategic road network, increasing levels of traffic would be anticipated to lead to increases in greenhouse gasses, although there will be other factors involved such as the changing fuel types of vehicles.

Landscape No impact identified. 0

Townscape Further increases in traffic on the existing road network through the Pendoylan area may increase negative impacts on the - townscape of the settlements of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch.

Historic Environment Further increases in traffic on the existing road network through the Pendoylan area may increase negative impacts on the historic - environment such as Listed Buildings in proximity to the road and the Conservation Areas.

Bio-Diversity No impact identified. 0

Water Environment No impact identified. 0

Economic

Journey Time Congestion on the strategic road network would be anticipated to Changes worsen without significant investment, bringing increases in journey times. This would also be likely to lead to further increases in journey times along these rural routes in the study area given the non-compliance with current highway standards. The current route alignment and narrow lanes allow for vehicle - conflict especially with regard to medium to large vehicles (including buses) whereby suitable passing locations are extensively limited. The Pendoylan corridor also experiences diverted traffic following incidents along the M4 corridor of which the rural characteristics of the highway are not well positioned to accommodate.

1 Vale of Glamorgan Council Air Quality Progress Report 2016

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Journey Time Congestion on the strategic road network would be anticipated to Reliability Changes worsen without significant investment, bringing reductions in journey time reliability. This would also be likely to lead to further reductions in journey time reliability along these rural routes in the study area given the non-compliance with current highway standards. The current route alignment and narrow lanes allow for - vehicle conflict especially with regard to medium to large vehicles (including buses) whereby suitable passing locations are extensively limited. The Pendoylan corridor also experiences diverted traffic following incidents along the M4 corridor of which the rural characteristics of the highway are not well positioned to accommodate.

Transport Costs The rising cost of transport including high fuel prices is making owning and running a car an increasing obstacle, whilst the availability of public transport and other modes of transport is not always a viable alternative. - A step change in the level of investment in services and infrastructure is required to deliver viable alternatives the car at an affordable cost.

Changes in Existing connectivity between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is Productivity extensively restricted via the presence of non-compliant roads that do not meet current highway standards. A significant level of investment would be required to establish a fully DMRB compliant - highway suitable to potentially support strategic economic growth throughout the region. The full impact of any such deliverable would require a thorough cost benefit assessment to determine potential viability.

Local Economy Existing connectivity between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is extensively restricted via the presence of non-compliant roads that do not meet current highway standards. A significant level of investment would be required to establish a fully DMRB compliant - highway suitable to support strategic economic growth throughout the region. The full impact of any such deliverable would require a thorough cost benefit assessment to determine potential viability.

Land No impact identified. 0

Capital Costs The delivery of the local and regional transport programmes 0 requires continued financial support from the public sector.

Revenue Costs Bus services require continued subsidy from the public sector. Rising cost of transport is resulting in many households struggling to afford to own and run a car, whilst public transport alternatives - are often not a viable alternative. The issues with journey time reliability and delay on the corridor between the M4 Junction 34 and A48 would impact on bus service revenue costs.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option B: Highway Route Option 1 – East of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Offline)

Impacts Scale

Social

Physical Activity It is expected that a new highway route would have a slight beneficial impact on physical activity with the integral provision of segregated walking and cycling infrastructure. It could also + improve conditions for walkers and cyclists along the existing corridor.

Journey Quality It is anticipated that the implementation of a new highway route would establish measurable improvements in journey quality, principally in relation to journey time and journey time reliability. The route would be designed to current DMRB standards and would retain integral design measures to enhance junction capacity at M4 Junction 34 and Sycamore Cross junction. Whilst no new public transport infrastructure or services are specifically ++ proposed as part of this option, the highway route would facilitate more attractive journeys for buses. Should additional active travel measures be delivered, there is potential for further benefits to walkers and cyclists through enhanced infrastructure provision and interconnectivity.

Accidents The provision of a new highway route by-passing Pendoylan has the potential to reduce traffic flow and improve road safety conditions along the existing Pendoylan corridor. In addition, provision of a new highway route to current DMRB + highway standards also affords the likelihood of minimising accidents together with the opportunity to integrate segregated sustainable travel measures as part of the integral design.

Security No impact identified. 0

Access to A new strategic highway route affords significant potential to Employment improve accessibility to strategic sites in the region including Cardiff Airport, St Athan Enterprise Zone, employment sites at M4 Junction 34 and employment in the A4119 corridor, by providing a new link with reduced journey times and improved journey time +++ reliability. Improved highway conditions are anticipated to promote the development of more sustainable transport modes for access to employment with the potential to encourage a mode shift away from the private car.

Access to Services A new strategic highway route affords significant potential to improve accessibility to services and facilities including strategically to and from the A4119/ Rhondda Valleys and the Vale/Barry area, and locally for residents within the study area, by providing a new link with reduced journey times and improved +++ journey time reliability. Improved highway conditions are anticipated to promote the development of more sustainable transport modes for access to services with the potential to encourage a mode shift away from the private car.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Affordability The potential to divert trips from the car to public transport as a result of likely improved journey time and journey time reliability for buses is mitigated by the potential for the option to retain the 0 car as the dominant mode of travel in the region. A neutral impact is envisaged.

Severance A new route by-passing Pendoylan is anticipated to reduce traffic flow through the village reducing the impact of severance, however the alignment of a new highway route would inevitably pass through existing public rights of way as well as access to - some properties. Design development of a new road would need to carefully consider the impact on existing public rights of way and properties and how this severance would be mitigated to retain acceptable connectivity.

Option and Non-Use Whilst the option does not retain specific measures to enhance Values public transport, a new strategic highway route affords significant potential to establish robust journey times and journey time reliability. These improved highway conditions are anticipated to assist the development of more sustainable transport modes, although at the same time facilitating car use. The implementation of integral walking and cycling infrastructure affords some + opportunity for alternate modes of travel away from use of the private car. Enhanced resilience of the highway network is anticipated with the implementation of integral junction improvements (at either end of the new road) and a road constructed to current DMRB standards.

Environmental

Noise It is anticipated that implementation of a new DMRB compliant road would subsequently increase traffic flows (compared to existing flows along the Pendoylan corridor) contributing towards potentially increased noise pollution in the study area. However, an assumed reduction in traffic flow through Pendoylan as a result of a new by-pass could reduce noise pollution levels locally. The overall impact will depend on the alignment of the new route and the number of sensitive receptors affected. This review is not yet quantifiable in the absence of a route - alignment and quantitative assessment, but a minor adverse impact is considered reasonable to assume at this stage of the analysis, whilst also noting the impacts from short-term construction noise associated with the new route. Mitigation measures would be available to alleviate any associated noise pollution but this would need to be considered against the potential to establish adverse landscape impacts (e.g. implementation of noise bunds).

Air Quality Based upon the 2016 Air Quality Progress Report for the Vale of Glamorgan, the overall air quality across the county complies with - regulations to protect human health2. Data from the 2012 Air Quality Progress Report highlighted that at some locations road

2 Vale of Glamorgan Council Air Quality Progress Report 2016

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

traffic emissions of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) were at, or close to, the relevant annual average concentration of 40 ug/m3. These were recorded at Culverhouse Cross (Vale of Glamorgan, 2013) within the strategic network of interest to this study. Implementation of a new highway route has the potential to improve air quality through Pendoylan with a reduction in local traffic flows anticipated, plus the potential for existing car trips to divert to public transport as a result of improved journey times and journey time reliability. It could also have the effect of reducing congestion and air quality issues at Culverhouse Cross by diverting traffic onto the new link. However, a new road would establish the potential for adverse air quality in the vicinity of a new link and this cannot yet be quantified. This may be less than on the existing slow moving route but requires assessment. The potential for adverse air quality is most likely to occur at the key junctions north and south of the proposed route. The impact of construction on managing air quality/ dust as well as vibration impacts would also need to be considered. Overall a minor adverse impact is envisaged as a worst case.

Greenhouse Gases Within the overall road network, it is likely that greenhouse gas emissions would increase given the growth in overall traffic levels (although this would be based on a different pattern to the do minimum). The extent of change will be dependent on various factors including changing fuel types of vehicles. Overall it is assumed that there would be a minor adverse impact on C02 emissions. Implementation of a new highway route has the potential to reduce greenhouse omissions through Pendoylan with a reduction in local traffic flows anticipated, plus the potential for - existing car trips to divert to public transport as a result of improved journey times and journey time reliability. However, a new road would establish the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions following anticipated increases in traffic growth as the benefits of improved journey times and journey reliability are realised. The impact of construction on managing greenhouse emissions/ dust would also need to be considered.

Landscape The option is likely to have a strong adverse impact on landscape and visual amenity as the new highway route would involve a new road infrastructure through the existing rural landscape which is designated for its Special Landscape Character. Depending on --- the vertical alignment, there may be a need for embankments or cuttings that could be visible from existing communities/ properties in the local area. This would require assessment to clarify the impacts.

Townscape An alignment to the east of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch could lead to a reduction in townscape impacts compared to the existing 0 traffic flows. However, there may be other visual impacts on townscape in terms of setting of the communities.

Historic Environment The WelTAG Stage One baseline assessment has completed a - thorough analysis of known environmental and land-use

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

characteristics for the study area. This has identified a number of sites of historic interest including scheduled monuments, listed buildings, archaeological sites and registered parks and gardens. Subject to any final proposed highway alignment, it is anticipated that there is potential for a new link to have an minor adverse impact on the historic environment, given that there is less presence of features to the east of Pendoylan than other parts of the study area, with the requirement for mitigation to alleviate adverse impacts.

Bio-Diversity It is anticipated that the route could have a large adverse impact on bio-diversity with the development of offline route sections --- through existing agricultural land, as well as the impact on existing hedgerow for the completion of online improvements.

Water Environment The presence of floodplain and a network of drainage into the River Ely means that there is potential for the construction of a new highway route to have a minor adverse impact on the water - environment (subject to the implementation of mitigation) with the potential for pollution adversely affecting nearby water courses.

Economic

Journey Time It is anticipated that the implementation of a new highway route Changes designed to current DMRB standards could establish measurable improvements in journey times with increased average speeds between M4 Junction 34 and A48, together with integral junction improvements at the key junctions interconnecting with the highway route. For strategic journeys, the route would offer an +++ alternative for travelling between the Vale/ Barry area and the Rhondda Valleys, and from west of M4 Junction 34, thus reducing journey times on the strategic network. There is also the potential, if active travel measures are delivered, that additional benefits to walkers and cyclists through enhanced infrastructure provision.

Journey Time It is anticipated that the implementation of a new highway route Reliability Changes designed to current DMRB standards could establish measurable improvements in journey time reliability. The implementation of integral junction improvements at the key junctions interconnecting with the new route could help alleviate the impact +++ of anticipated increases in traffic growth (subject to analysis). There is also the potential, if active travel measures are delivered, that additional benefits to walkers and cyclists through enhanced infrastructure provision.

Transport Costs Any car trips diverted to public transport as a result of improved highway journey times and reliability could be offset by more prominent forecast increases in traffic growth as the same benefits are experienced. However, reduced journey times by car + and bus could lead to lower transport costs. It is therefore anticipated that delivery of a new road link and associated junction improvements would reduce the transport costs compared to the do-minimum option.

Accidents The provision of a new highway route by-passing Pendoylan has the potential to reduce traffic flow and improve road safety + conditions along the existing Pendoylan corridor.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

In addition, provision of a new highway route to current DMRB highway standards also affords the likelihood of minimising accidents together with the opportunity to integrate segregated sustainable travel measures as part of the integral design. Reducing the likelihood of vehicle accidents will help support journey time reliability and reduce the economic impact resulting from vehicle delay.

Changes in A new highway route has the potential to improve strategic Productivity connectivity for journeys made by car and existing public transport services. It is anticipated that a new highway route with improved journey times and journey time reliability could viably support ++ improved productivity and sustain economic growth (subject to a detail economic assessment). It would not however proactively facilitate those unable to travel by car to take a full and active role within society.

Local Economy A new highway route has the potential to improve strategic access to Cardiff Airport and regional employment sites for journeys made by car and existing public transport services. It is anticipated that a new highway route with improved journey times and journey time reliability could viably support improved ++ productivity and sustain economic growth (subject to a detail economic assessment). It would not however proactively facilitate those unable to travel by car to take a full and active role within society.

Land Implementation of a new offline highway route will require significant areas of land predominantly in agricultural use to deliver a new highway route, in addition to land adjacent to existing routes to facilitate online highway improvements. The exact extent and potential costs are unknown at this stage and --- would require further exploration, however these costs are anticipated to be high. Depending the final route alignment there is also likely to be the need for Compulsory Purchase Orders to be made at additional cost and time to the project.

Capital Costs The delivery of a new highway route would require a high capital --- investment from the public sector.

Revenue Costs The highway would continue to require maintenance support from the public sector and it is envisaged that the scheme would result - in additional pressure on increasingly stretched highway maintenance budgets.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option C: Highway Route Option 2 – West of Pendoylan connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 at Sycamore Cross (Part Online/ Part Offline)

The Option C assessment assumes no change to that presented for Option B, with minor changes to the following set criteria:

Impacts Scale

Environment

Townscape An alignment that is mainly online but passes to the west of Pendoylan and Clawdd-Coch could lead to an increase in townscape impacts given the proximity of a route to the village, the settlement of Clawdd-Coch and existing buildings, based on - increases in traffic flows compared to the existing route. However, there may be benefits within the centre of the village compared to the existing.

Historic Environment The WelTAG Stage One baseline assessment has completed a thorough analysis of known environmental and land-use characteristics for the study area. This has identified a number of sites of historic interest including scheduled monuments, listed buildings, archaeological sites and registered parks and gardens. -- Subject to any final proposed highway alignment, it is anticipated that there is potential for a new link to have a moderate adverse impact on the historic environment, given that there is some presence of features to the west of Pendoylan, with the requirement for mitigation to alleviate adverse impacts.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option D: Highway Route Option 3 – West of Pendoylan connecting between Clawdd-Coch and the A48 via Redway Road (Part Online/ Part Offline)

The Option D assessment is considered to be broadly similar to that completed for Option B, with minor changes to the following set criteria:

Impacts Scale

Economic

Journey Time It is anticipated that the implementation of a new highway route Changes designed to current DMRB standards would establish measurable improvements in journey times with increased average speeds between M4 Junction 34 and A48, together with integral junction improvements at the key junctions interconnecting with the new highway route. There is also the potential, if active travel measures are delivered, that additional benefits to walkers and cyclists through enhanced infrastructure provision. ++ The proposed route would interconnect to the A48 at Redway Road circa 1.35km to the west of Sycamore junction. This would establish reduced connectivity to Five Mile Lane with a perceived slight reduction in journey time improvements to that illustrated for options B and C. A reduced moderate beneficial score has therefore been assigned to Option D.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option E: Highway Route Option 4 – East of Welsh St. Donats connecting between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 junction circa 3km west of Sycamore Junction (Offline)

The Option E assessment is considered to be broadly similar to that completed for Option B, with minor changes to the following set criteria:

Impacts Scale

Environment

Historic Environment The WelTAG Stage One baseline assessment has completed a thorough analysis of known environmental and land-use characteristics for the study area. This has identified a number of sites of historic interest including scheduled monuments, listed buildings, archaeological sites and registered parks and gardens. --- There are a range of identified features in the vicinity of this route option. Subject to any final proposed highway alignment, it is anticipated that there is potential for a new link to have a large adverse impact on the historic environment.

Economic

Journey Time It is anticipated that the implementation of a new highway route Changes designed to current DMRB standards would establish measurable improvements in journey times with increased average speeds between M4 Junction 34 and A48, together with integral junction improvements at the key junctions interconnecting with the new highway route. There is also the potential, if active travel measures are delivered, that additional benefits to walkers and + cyclists through enhanced infrastructure provision. The proposed route would interconnect to the A48 circa 3km west of Sycamore junction. This would establish reduced connectivity to Five Mile Lane with a slight reduction in journey time improvements to that illustrated for options B and C. A reduced minor beneficial score has therefore been assigned to Option E.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option F: Bus Park and Ride near to M4 Junction 34

Impacts Scale

Social

Physical Activity It is anticipated that the option would have a neutral impact on physical activity as it would mainly involve car journeys to the park 0 and ride site, and then use of bus.

Journey Quality It is anticipated that journey quality may improve, through the provision of an express bus service to key destinations, in + comparison to longer journeys by car on a congested road network.

Accidents It is expected that the option could have a minor beneficial impact on accidents by encouraging some mode shift from / shorter + distance travel by car.

Security The delivery of high quality bus waiting facilities, if built with appropriate lighting, real time information, shelters and potentially CCTV could provide a secure transport environment, alongside 0 security features on buses, such as increased use of glass and CCTV. However, park and ride sites can be perceived as less secure than driving a car to the end destination.

Access to The option could provide a direct public transport link to Cardiff Employment Airport, as well as other key regional employment centres. The introduction of direct services and improved facilities could establish increased travel by bus (mode shift). Currently 2% of residents within the study area travel to work via bus travel, ++ compared to 92% via car travel. This benefit can only be realised with the improvement of the highway network to reduce journey time and improved journey time reliability.

Access to Services The option would improve access to services by providing a sustainable transport link from M4 Junction 34 to the Vale/ Barry area and any other areas served such as the City Centre of + Cardiff. The introduction of a direct service and improved facilities could establish mode shift towards increased travel by bus.

Affordability The rising cost of transport is resulting in many households struggling to afford to own and run a car. The provision of a reliable and direct public transport option has the potential to make travel more affordable for some sections of society, most notable the young and elderly (21% of the study area’s residents are retired which is much greater than the percentage for The Vale of Glamorgan (16%), South East Wales (15%) and Wales + (16%) as a whole). This is particularly the case if car parking costs at the facility are cheaper than those at the user’s desired destination. However, it should be noted that public transport services are often unaffordable for some groups within society. It is anticipated that the majority of users will also require car travel in order to utilise the proposed facilities.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Severance Improved bus services and interchange has the potential to shift journeys (or a section of journeys) from car to bus and therefore + help reduce strategic traffic flows. Reduced flows could lead to reduced severance within the community.

Option and Non-Use Option F provides an alternative to sections of journeys currently Values made by car and could increase the resilience of the transport ++ network through the provision of a more sustainable transport network.

Environmental

Noise The improvements in public transport has the potential to encourage a mode shift away from the private car to the bus thus has the potential to improve noise pollution. However, unless a significant mode shift to the car is achieved, any improvement in noise pollution could be mitigated by an increased number of bus 0 services and car based trips to the park and ride facility. A neutral impact is therefore considered reasonable. No technical information is available at this stage, hence no quantitative data on potential noise impacts is available.

Air Quality Road transport is the dominant mode of transport for journeys in the region (2011 Census) and thus contributes to air pollution. There are no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) within the study area. According to the 2016 Air Quality Progress Report for Vale of Glamorgan, the overall air quality across the Vale of Glamorgan complies with regulations to protect human health. Data for 2012 however has highlighted that at some locations road traffic emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are at, or close to, the relevant annual average concentration of 40ug/m3. These locations include Culverhouse Cross and Barry. The option has the potential to result in an improvement in air 0 quality by encouraging shift for some journeys to bus from the private car. However, unless a significant mode shift to the car is achieved, any improvement in air pollution could be mitigated by an increased number of bus services and car based trips to the park and ride facility. A neutral impact is therefore considered reasonable. No technical information is available at this stage, hence no quantitative data on potential noise impacts is available.

Greenhouse Gases See notes for Air Quality. The option is anticipated to have a neutral impact on greenhouse 0 gas emissions.

Landscape Option F could have an adverse impact on the landscape as it is anticipated that the facility would be constructed on a greenfield site near to M4 Junction 34 and require lighting which may be - visible. However, this depends on the site selected and the existing industrial sites near to M4 Junction 34 are well screened.

Townscape Option F has the potential to result in a slight adverse impact upon -

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

townscape as there are limited settlement features in the vicinity of Junction 34.

Historic Environment No impact identified. 0

Bio-Diversity The option is anticipated to have a potentially adverse impact on biodiversity as it is anticipated that the facility would be constructed on a greenfield site. Woodland with tree preservation orders are also situated to the south east and south west of the - junction. The impact is assessed as slight adverse compared to other options given that it would be in one discrete part of the study area.

Water Environment It is anticipated that the option could have a slight adverse impact on the water environment depending on the extent of mitigation required to alleviate run-off from new hard surfaced areas. As a - minimum, it is likely that SUDS would be required to effectively manage surface run-off. A flood zone lies to the south east of M4 Junction 34.

Economic

Journey Time The implementation of Option F in isolation would be unlikely to Changes establish an improvement in journey times between the M4 and 0 Cardiff city centre, the Airport (or other employment sites), as there would be additional time involved in interchange

Journey Time The implementation of Option F would have a neutral impact on Reliability Changes journey time reliability. It may lead to some mode transfer thus 0 reducing traffic on some routes, but this is likely to have a minor impact on congestion.

Transport Costs Rising cost of transport is resulting in many households struggling to afford to own and run a car. The provision of new public transport options has the potential to make travel more affordable for some sections of society, most notable the young and elderly - 21% of the study area’s residents are retired which is much greater than the percentage for the Vale of Glamorgan (16%), South East Wales (15%) and Wales (16%). This is particularly the + case if car parking costs at the facility are cheaper than those at the user’s desired destination. However, it should be noted that public transport services can be unaffordable for some groups within society, and that users of sustainable transport options will require a car in order to utilise the park and ride facilities.

Accidents It is expected that Option F would have a neutral impact on 0 accidents.

Changes in The option has the potential to improve sustainable access to + Productivity employment.

Local Economy The option has the potential to improve sustainable access to + employment.

Land Land will need to be purchased in order to deliver the park and - ride site. The exact extent and potential costs are unknown at this

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

stage and would require further exploration. Potential land may have potential usage for higher value uses.

Capital Costs The delivery of Option F would require a moderate capital -- investment from the public sector.

Revenue Costs New revenue costs would have to be established with regard to an enhanced bus services. Park and ride sites can operate at a - revenue deficit.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Option G: Parkway Railway Station including Park & Ride facility and Bus Integration located near to M4 Junction 34

Impacts Scale

Social

Physical Activity It is expected that Option G would have a slight beneficial impact on physical activity based on the assumption that a new parkway + station would have walking and cycling connections from communities (to the north and south of the M4).

Journey Quality A parkway station could provide easy access by high quality public transport to main destinations including Cardiff, Bridgend and beyond. This may provide an enhanced journey quality to ++ existing car journeys to the same destinations. It could provide an improved journey experience by public transport to Cardiff Airport, particularly for passengers from the west.

Accidents It is expected that Option G would have a minor beneficial impact on accidents, through transfer of longer distance trips in and out of + the region to rail.

Security The delivery of high quality rail and bus interchange facilities including the likely implementation of suitable lighting, real time information, shelters and CCTV could improve the perception of passenger personal security. Additional security on trains and bus ++ vehicles would help enhance this perception, together with secure car parking (lighting, CCTV, staff patrols) to improve users’ perception of safety on site when leaving their vehicles.

Access to Rail services within close proximity of the study area (at Employment Pontyclun), already interconnect with the Cardiff City Region, however Option G inclusive of bus integration could further improve access to services and employment by providing interconnectivity to Cardiff Airport and other key regional employment areas. Sites in the vicinity of Junction 34 (both north ++ and south of the M4) could particularly benefit. The degree of benefit would depend on the level of service that can be provided at the new station. The parkway railway station would also serve existing residents situated near to M4 Junction 34 and would thus improve access to employment for those in the immediate area, in conjunction with those travelling from further distances by rail.

Access to Services Rail services within close proximity of the study area (at Pontyclun) already interconnect with the Cardiff City Region, however Option G inclusive of bus integration could further improve access to services and employment by providing interconnectivity to Cardiff Airport and other key regional + employment areas. The parkway railway station would also serve existing residents situated near to M4 Junction 34 and would thus improve access to services for those in the immediate area, in conjunction with those travelling from further distances by rail.

Affordability The rising cost of transport is resulting in many households struggling to afford to own and run a car. The provision of a + reliable and direct public transport option has the potential to

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

make travel more affordable for some sections of society, most notable the young and elderly (21% of the study area’s residents are retired which is much greater than the percentage for The Vale of Glamorgan (16%), South East Wales (15%) and Wales (16%) as a whole). This is particularly the case if car parking costs at the facility are cheaper than those at the user’s desired destination. However, public transport services are often unaffordable for some groups within society. It should be noted however that some users may require car travel in order to utilise the facilities.

Severance Enhanced rail and bus services and interchange has the potential to shift journeys by car to rail and bus and therefore help reduce the high traffic flows occurring with the region. However, given 0 that many users will travel to the parkway station by car, the impacts are anticipated to the neutral.

Option and Non-Use Option G provides a more viable alternative to journeys currently Values made by car and increases the resilience of the transport network through the provision of a more sustainable transport network. +++ This would be for local and regional journeys as well as those from further afield.

Environmental

Noise The improvements in public transport has the potential to encourage a mode shift away from the private car to rail and the bus thus has the potential to improve noise pollution. However, unless a significant mode shift from the car is achieved, any improvement in noise pollution could be mitigated by an increased 0 number of bus services and car based trips to the parkway station. A neutral impact is therefore considered reasonable. No technical information is available at this stage, hence no quantitative data on potential noise impacts is available.

Air Quality The improvements in public transport has the potential to encourage a mode shift away from the private car to rail and the bus thus has the potential to improve air pollution. However, unless a significant mode shift from the car is achieved, any improvement in noise pollution could be mitigated by an increased 0 number of bus services and car based trips to the parkway station. A neutral impact is therefore considered reasonable. No technical information is available at this stage, hence no quantitative data on potential noise impacts is available.

Greenhouse Gases See note for Air Quality. The option has the potential to result in a neutral impact on 0 greenhouse gas emissions.

Landscape Option G could have an adverse impact on the landscape as it is anticipated that the facility would be constructed on a greenfield site near to M4 Junction 34 and require lighting which may be - visible. However, this depends on the site selected and the existing industrial sites near to M4 Junction 34 are well screened. The railway line is in cutting near to Junction 34 which may also

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

minimise the impact of footbridges etc.

Townscape Option F has the potential to result in a slight adverse impact upon townscape as there are limited settlement features in the vicinity - of Junction 34

Historic Environment No impact identified. 0

Bio-Diversity Option G could have an adverse impact on biodiversity given that the railway line runs alongside the river corridor, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The extent of -- impacts would depend on feasible site locations and works required.

Water Environment It is anticipated that the option could have an adverse impact on the water environment given the proximity to the River Ely and flooding issues on some land adjacent to the rail line. Impacts would depend on the extent of mitigation required to alleviate run- -- off from new hard surfaced areas and address any flooding impacts. As a minimum, it is likely that SUDS would be required to effectively manage surface run-off.

Economic

Journey Time The implementation of Option G could result in a reduced journey Changes time by public transport to Cardiff Airport and other strategic destinations, as well as lead to some reductions in congestion + given the transfer of trips to rail/ bus, especially during peak commuter periods.

Journey Time The implementation of Option G could result in improved journey Reliability Changes time reliability by public transport to Cardiff Airport and other strategic destinations, as well as lead to some reductions in + congestion given the transfer of trips to rail/ bus, especially during peak commuter periods

Transport Costs Rising cost of transport is resulting in many households struggling to afford to own and run a car. The provision of new public transport options has the potential to make travel more affordable for some sections of society, most notable the young and elderly - 21% of the study area’s residents are retired which is much greater than the percentage for the Vale of Glamorgan (16%), South East Wales (15%) and Wales (16%). This is particularly the + case if car parking costs at the facility are cheaper than those at the user’s desired destination. However, it should be noted that public transport services can be unaffordable for some groups within society, although the provision of linked bus and rail services means they are usable for those without access to a car.

Accidents It is expected that Option G would have a minor beneficial impact on accidents, through transfer of longer distance trips in and out of + the region to rail.

Changes in The delivery of Option G has the potential to improve sustainable + Productivity access to employment and enable some groups of society to take

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

a fully active role within society, particularly the younger groups who may not be able to afford to own a car or do not drive.

Local Economy The delivery of Option G has the potential to improve sustainable access to employment and enable some groups of society to take + a fully active role within society, particularly the younger groups who may not be able to afford to own a car or do not drive.

Land For the parkway railway station and park & ride facility, third party land will need to be considered, but would evidently be restricted - by availability and cost.

Capital Costs No firm capital costs are currently available, however it is anticipated that a new parkway station would be of high cost in --- terms of capital investment, however further work is required to provide more accurate cost estimates.

Revenue Costs New revenue costs would have to be established with regard to enhanced rail and bus services. There may be knock on revenue - costs on existing services as a result and this would require evaluation.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 4 Delivery Case 4.1 Overview The Delivery Case ‘covers the delivery arrangements for the project and then its management during its life time’. The WelTAG guidance states that in the Stage One Report the Delivery Case needs to ‘set out which organisation and groups within that organisation will sit on the Review Group that meets at the end of each WelTAG stage’. 4.2 Review Group A Strategic Group has been set up to guide the WelTAG process and have met previously to discuss the project within the stakeholder workshops. This group will take on the role of the Review Group and its members are as follows:  Vale of Glamorgan Council  Welsh Government To be confirmed

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 5 Financial Case 5.1 Overview The financial case ‘presents information on whether an option is affordable in the first place and long term financial viability. It covers both capital and annual revenue requirements over the life cycle of the project and the implications of these for the balance sheet, income and expenditure accounts of public sector organisations’. 5.2 Assessment This WelTAG report represents the Stage One: Strategic Outline Case and the details to inform the financial case are of a preliminary nature at this stage. The financial case for each option is presented in Table 5, which provides an overall appraisal of the lifetime costs of the project, sources of funding and accounting implications. At this stage, detailed data on the revenue and capital implications are not available, hence a qualitative assessment of the financial case has been undertaken. Further work will be required to determine the forecast lifetime costs of the project with a greater certainty for the options selected for the Stage Two appraisal. Table 5 Financial Case Assessment

Source of Option Lifetime Costs of the Project Accounting Implications Funding

Local transport The delivery of new local capital fund (capital – Capital Welsh Government schemes and the continued to local support for regional and local bus A 0 authorities services, requires capital and from the revenue funding from the public Local Authority Welsh sector. Revenue Government) Welsh Government

Local transport Welsh Government fund (capital) Local Authority Capital Welsh Cardiff Capital Government High initial capital costs to deliver Region City Deal a new highway route. (capital and B revenue) Revenue implications are likely to C exist throughout the lifetime of the Local authority --- project in terms of maintaining the funding D asset, with the potential to (capital and E adversely impact on the revenue) Revenue Local authority increasingly stretched local Road safety authority revenue budgets. grant (capital) Cardiff Capital Region City Deal

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report

Source of Option Lifetime Costs of the Project Accounting Implications Funding

Welsh Government Welsh Moderate initial capital costs to Government Local authority via deliver new bus park and ride (capital and the local transport infrastructure. fund from Welsh revenue) Capital Capital costs to purchase buses Government Local transport would be at the commencement fund (capital) Private investment of the project, but there would be continued revenue costs to Cardiff Capital Cardiff Capital F - maintain the vehicles and Region City Region City Deal purchase replacement vehicles Deal over time. Private Local authority via Pubic and/ or private revenue investment the local transport implications are likely to exist opportunities Revenue fund from Welsh throughout the lifetime of the Government Local Bus project. Operators Private investment

Welsh Government Cardiff Capital Moderate initial capital costs to Region City Deal deliver new railway station Network Rail Train Operating infrastructure with a park and ride (capital) Company facility and bus integration. Capital Welsh (dependent on It is anticipated that high costs Government / franchise associated with delivering new rail Metro (capital arrangements) services could be accommodated and revenue) Private investment by wider regional investment. Local transport (other than Train Revenue implications are likely to fund (capital) Operating Company) exist throughout the lifetime of the project with any increases in Train G --- services. Operating Company Capital costs to purchase buses would be at the commencement Cardiff Capital Revenue Welsh Government of the project, but there would be Region City continued revenue costs to Deal maintain the vehicles and Private purchase replacement vehicles investment over time. Local authorities via (other than the Regional Pubic and/ or private revenue Train Transport Services implications are likely to exist Operating Grant and Bus throughout the lifetime of the Company) Revenue Services Support project. Grant from Welsh Government Welsh Government

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 6 Commercial Case 6.1 Overview The commercial case covers ‘whether it is going to prove possible to procure the scheme and then to continue with it in the future’. 6.2 Assessment It not considered possible at this stage to determine the commercial case of each option, given the preliminary information available. In particular, there is no available information on the level and type of involvement of the private sector. In summary:  There would be on-going revenue support required for each of the options, but as detailed in the delivery case these are expected to be greatest for the public transport options (Options F and G), but the extent of each is unknown.  It is assumed that the delivery of a new highway route between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 (Options B – E) would not have a significant impact on the ongoing maintenance budget of the local authorities, although the delivery of a new highway has the potential to adversely impact on existing maintenance budgets which are already under considerable pressure.  Further exploration into the commercial case would be undertaken during a Stage Two appraisal on the short list of options.

Improving Strategic Transport Encompassing Corridors from M4 Junction 34 to the A48 (Five Mile Lane) including the Pendoylan Corridor (or alternative) WelTAG Stage One: Strategic Outline Case Report 7 Recommendations Following the appraisal of the seven options it is recommended that the following options are taken forward for further investigation into the feasibility and impacts of the option:  Option B – a highway route east of Pendoylan;  Option C – a highway route west of Pendoylan; and  Option G – parkway station with park and ride facility and bus integration near to M4 Junction 34. The do-minimum option is required as a reference case for consideration of transport options. The provision of a highway link between M4 Junction 34 and the A48 is recommended to be included in the Stage Two appraisal as it could bring substantial benefits in terms of connectivity as well as reducing direct impacts on the existing communities. Route options 1 and 2 are favoured as they offer the highest potential gains in journey times as well as less environmental impacts on some factors and it is not considered worthwhile to further assess options D and E. The provision of a bus park and ride is not considered appropriate for further consideration, given the likely limited benefits at this location and alternative sites being brought forward. The provision of a parkway railway station could bring substantial sustainable travel benefits at a regional scale. It would however require the provision of a road link in order to facilitate access to the station from the Vale of Glamorgan, as in options B and C. Moreover, consideration of a parkway station requires technical feasibility work and economic forecasting as part of the Network Rail GRIP process. It is therefore recommended that a Stage Two WelTAG considers options B and C alongside the do-minimum, with the parkway station being a potential add on to the proposals that would add to the benefits of Option B or C. All options require technical analysis, traffic forecasting and cost benefit analysis, to appraise value for money and seek to quantify the impacts.

APPENDIX A WelTAG Guidance Summary

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