NATURAL Resources Wales has stated that there is no community wide-solution for flood defence in Dinas Powys following the release of its Outline Business Case.

The government agency released its assessment of options to manage the flood risk to 197 homes in Dinas Powys on Tuesday February 11.

Tim England, Operations Manager for NRW, said: “We believe we’ve considered all practicable ways to reduce the risk to the community in Dinas Powys, but unfortunately there appears to be no perfect solution.

“The reasons for this are different for each option considered.

“ Some are not technically possible to build, some would be too expensive and impractical, and others carry risks that could become too expensive”.

NRW previously said that a dam on the Cadoxton River was the best option for flood defence.

However, the Outline Business Case lists five shortlisted options which have now been released for public consultation.

These include natural flood management measures preferred by local campaigners who oppose the construction of a dam as they claim it would be too costly and do damage to ancient woodland.

Cathy Farr, a member of Stop The Dam campaign group, said: “Initially we were told that this report would identify a preferred option that NRW would take forward.

“However, we’re delighted to see that a range of five options remain on the table, although the dam is still on the list.

“It is the speed of water at peak times that causes problems in Dinas Powys, not just the quantity during heavy rainfall”, explained Peter Smith, Chair of Save Dinas Powys Woods And Protect Homes From Flooding, another campaign group.

“Natural flood management works by slowing the flow of rivers and streams on their way into larger water courses.

“We’re delighted to see that natural flood management has been included in the report and will continue to push for its adoption”.

Members of the public have been invited by Natural Resources Wales to offer their feedback on the report until Friday March 27.

To help with this, the campaign groups are hosting a public meeting with representatives of NRW on Monday February 24 at Dinas Powys Parish Hall.

They hope to explain the findings of the report and consider how the community moves forward.

To find out more about the event, visit: www.savedinaspowyswoods.co.uk

For more information on the report, including all five options for flood defence, visit: naturalresources.wales/about-us/our-projects/flood-scheme-projects/dinas-powys-flood-scheme/appraisal-of-dinas-powys-flood-scheme-options/?lang=en