A RETIREMENT home complex will make way for 25 new houses in Caldicot after county council planners approved an application.

The successful Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) application for the construction of 25 new homes will see a development made up of three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and one-bedroom flats.

The Brookside elderly persons’ complex, itself an MHA site, was built in the 1970s and is currently vacant after previous residents have been gradually been relocated to alternative accommodation within Caldicot.

But concerns were expressed by nearby residents about access to the site and potential loss of privacy due to the new homes and the proximity to the neighbouring church.

The plans were recommended refusal by Caldicot Town Council on the ground of lack of consultation, and were concerned about the impact caused by increased traffic on the roads.

But planning officer for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Nia Morrison recommended the plans be approved. The report found that the visual impact of the development would be “in keeping with the surrounding area”.

The report also stated that MCC’s highway officer was satisfied that the level of traffic proposed from the development would have a “minimal impact on the existing highway network.

“If plans are approved, the existing elderly persons complex will be demolished and replaced with 25 new homes. These will be provided through a mix of six three-bedroom houses, 13 two-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and four one-bedroom flats.

The site would be largely comprised of semi-detached dwellings, with one short terrace of three.

Speaking at the planning committee Sam Courtney spoke on behalf of MHA and assured that there had been enough consultation.

“I’d like to reassure members that this application has been properly considered and has received you officers support after a detailed process of consultation therefore we respectfully request you support the recommendation.”