A PROPOSAL to build 15 residential units for the over 55s has been deferred by Monmouthshire County Council’s (MCC) planning committee.

The application was deferred because of a dispute over rights of access across Welsh Street car park, a fundamental part of the application.

The plans have been deferred to a later date to address the dispute.

If approved the 15 flats will be built on land in the centre of Chepstow. The site in question was originally used as a garden for the Grade II listed St Maurs property.

According to a report presented to the planning committee yesterday (4th August) the site has become neglected, overgrown and is often used for fly tipping.

The land slopes down towards Chepstow Castle and The Dell car park is situated to the south-west of the site.

The flats, if approved at a later date, will be built in two linked three storey blocks. Due to the varying ground levels the building will appear to be of two and three storey construction.

The plans have drawn several concerns from Chepstow Town Council and Cadw particularly regarding their fears of visual impact on Chepstow Castle.

Chepstow Town Council felt the height of the new building would impact the castle. They also voiced concerns over access to the site via the Welsh Street car park, suggesting it will generate considerable traffic movements through the car park, exacerbating existing congestion.

Cadw were concerned about the potential effect on the setting of Chepstow Castle. They argued the plans were contrary to Welsh Government planning policy where it states: “Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings are likely to be affected by proposed development, there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation in situ.”

The plans also received 20 letters of objection from neighbours who felt the site was inappropriate in such a beautiful area and the location was inappropriate for OAP housing.