Three planning applications were recommended for refusal by Chepstow town council last Wednesday (11th September).

It was agreed by the council that Chepstow's infrastructure could not take many more residential dwellings.

Housing developer Taylor Wimpey, has applied for outline planning permission to build up to 200 dwellings, highway access, open space and landscaping on land at Mounton Road.

Councillor Yvonne Havard said: "Chepstow hasn't got the facilities to cope with this amount of residential dwellings. If we support planning permission then we will be letting Chepstow and its residents down.

"We need to think about the new families coming to live in the houses, where would all the children go to school?

"I want to develop and improve what we already have in Chepstow, that is why I am totally opposed to this project."

Following a presentation by one member of the public against the building of 19 dwellings and the demolition of garages on Thornwell Road, councillors were converted to her reasoning about the importance of the site to the community. The speaker said that the green part of the site proposed by Monmouthshire Housing Association was actively used by the residents and especially the children living in the area. She argued the children could play safely and without the land she stated that the children wouldn't have anywhere else to go.

Councillor Peter Farley said: "I came to support the case for more affordable housing as I don't believe we are providing enough. However, I've been changed and I now want to support what has been said in the lady's presentation."

Councillor Armand Watts said: "I am opposed to it for all the eloquent reasons put forward by the public. The area is an asset to the houses that sit behind it and what we could end up losing is the level of community. I believe it's over development and I'm absolutely opposed to it."

Councillor Havard said: "When I first heard of the planning application I immediately thought of wonderful, affordable homes. My opinion has been changed by the presentation given by the lady. I have now changed my mind and would like to give this lady my support."

The final proposal was submitted by Charles Church East Wales for the demolition of the former forensic science service laboratory on Usk Road, and the erection of 32 homes.

Councillor Stephanie Dovey, town mayor, said: "We did a lot of work to try to prevent the laboratory being closed and I had hoped the laboratory could be put to purposeful use. This site bodes well for employment and services not just residential homes."

Cllr Havard said: "I would like to oppose this; again there's been a submission for houses that are not needed. Traffic will add to the chaos already experienced on the A466. It's not needed and although it may seem a smaller development, the site could be put to better use for the community."

Cllr Farley added: "This development, if approved, would supply homes for people who don't work in Chepstow but commute to Newport, Cardiff or Bristol. We are not supplying our own economic space, I will oppose."

Decisions made at the town council planning meeting will be presented to Monmouthshire County Council at a later date.