PLANS to build 209 homes on the former Sudbrook paper mill site have been refused by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

Developers Harrow Estates originally submitted plans for 340 houses in 2012 but this was rejected by the council’s planning

committee.

Despite the council refusing the plans yesterday (3rd November), Harrow Estates has lodged an appeal against non-determination because the council didn’t come to a decision within 16 weeks of the plans being submitted.

Mark Hand, head of planning at MCC, said: “We’re still hopeful we can keep negotiating on the current application and the appeal will go away which would be preferable for both parties.”

The application is to build 10 two bedroom houses, 110 three bedroom houses and 89 four bedroom houses.

MCC originally recommended the plans for refusal because it offered no provision for affordable housing which contradicted a Local Development Plan (LDP) requirement.

The plans also show a lack of off-street parking which fails to comply with the council’s parking standards. Concerns were also raised with extra flow of traffic to and from the site.

Local member Councillor Peter Fox addressed yesterday’s meeting saying an extra 209 houses would be bad for transport in the area.

He said: “There are considerable issues with access to the site and significant pressures already for congestion in Portskewett village.

“I recognise something needs to be done on the site but there are real concerns with the size as it more than doubles the village.

“The fundamental issue, however, is there’s no affordable housing recommended here. It’s absolutely right we stick to our policy. There needs to be at least 25 per cent affordable housing and we should stick to that.”

The plans will now be considered by an independent planning inspectorate.