The Vale of Glamorgan Council has responded to the Town Council's objection to a pre-application consultation submitted as part of the expansion of Cowbridge Comprehensive School.

Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council has continually objected to the plans throughout the consultation process.

In its response to the latest development, the council criticised the traffic management plans on Aberthin Road in the wake of existing problems at drop-off and pick-up times and a need for parking safety measures. It also says the Vale of Glamorgan Council did not "properly examine" alternative sites.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "The initial consultation regarding the expansion of Cowbridge Comprehensive was undertaken in accordance with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, which primarily focuses on the educational merits of a proposal.

"When developing a proposal, the Council will consider a range of available sites, with existing locations assessed in the first instance to ensure the educational estate can be managed as efficiently as possible.

"Following a review of education sites available, Cowbridge Comprehensive School was identified as the preferred option to locate the extra English medium primary provision that is required for the area.

"More information on this review is outlined from page 9 of the Consultation Document, which supported the consultation exercise.

"The School Organisation Code (2018) states that consultation should be undertaken when proposals are still at a formative stage. Therefore, the Council does not undertake extensive surveys to inform the development of an education proposal.

"The consultation document also made it clear that, if this proposal is accepted, multiple site surveys would then be completed as part of the design process for the new school building, including a full transport assessment. It also stated that the final design would be subject to planning permission and that the planning process includes a statutory consultation with local residents.

"During the initial feasibility stage, the Council draws on a wide range of skills and expertise from colleagues across the Council, including construction and property professionals.

"Another important consideration is that the surveys required to inform a planning application cost around £80,000 to undertake so it would not be an effective use of funding to carry out this level of assessment for a range of sites."