The Monmouthshire County Council Planning Committee met on 9 September 2025, and approved applications for a residential development in Monmouth, the change of use of a flat to an air B&B in Pwllmeyric, and the retention of a retaining wall and change of use of agricultural land to residential curtilage in Llangwm. The committee also approved the retention of illuminated signs in Abergavenny, after previously considering the application in August. The committee also reviewed appeal decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

Residential Development at Drewen Farm, Monmouth

The committee approved an outline planning application for a residential development of up to 110 dwellings at Drewen Farm, Monmouth. All matters were reserved except for access points. The application site is part of the Wonastow Road Strategic Site allocation. The development will include landscaping, public open space, and associated infrastructure.

Key aspects of the proposal include:

• 35% affordable housing.
• Two vehicular access points from Kingfisher Way and Belle Etoile Drive.
• Additional pedestrian and cycle links, plus emergency access via Watery Lane.
• Over a third of the site dedicated to landscaped public open space and habitat areas.

The committee considered the Local Development Plan (LDP) policies, including strategic policies S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S7, S12, S13, S16, S17, and SAH4, as well as development management policies DES1, EP1, H1, SD2, SD4, EP3, NE1, GI1, MV1, MV2, MV3, MV4, LC1, and LC5.

The committee also took into account national planning policy, including Future Wales - the national plan 2040 and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 12.

The committee noted objections from Monmouth Town Council regarding flooding, ecological impact, construction vehicle access, increased traffic, archaeological impact, and site contamination.

The committee also noted that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had not objected to the plan, subject to conditions.

The committee were satisfied that the development was acceptable, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, and that the development would deliver much-needed housing, including affordable housing, on a planned strategic site.

Change of Use to Air B&B at Rosewood, Pwllmeyric

The committee approved an application for a change of use of a flat above a double garage at Rosewood, Pwllmeyric, to an air B&B. The existing double garage with flat over was previously approved under application number DM/2021/01503. No construction or alteration to the internal layout is proposed. The air B&B will let out to a one-car family, couple, or party of a maximum of three people.

The committee considered the LDP policies, including strategic policies S11, S13, S16, and S17, as well as development management policies GI1, NE1, EP1, EP3, MV1, and DES1.

The committee also considered the Domestic Garages SPG (January 2013), Monmouthshire Parking Standards (January 2013), and Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Supplementary Planning Guidance (November 2017).

The committee also took into account national planning policy, including Future Wales - the national plan 2040 and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 12.

The committee noted objections from Mathern Community Council regarding the state of the private driveway and increased traffic.

The committee also noted concerns from the local member, Councillor County Louise Brown, regarding the sharing of the access, the lack of provision for pedestrian/vehicle separation, and the number of properties already sharing the access.

The committee were satisfied that the development was acceptable, subject to conditions, and that the development would provide a form of sustainable tourism.

Retention of Retaining Wall and Change of Use at Ty'r Berllan, Llangwm

The committee approved an application for the retention of a retaining wall and terrace/patio, and change of use of agricultural land to residential curtilage at Ty'r Berllan, Llangwm.

The committee considered the LDP policies, including strategic policies S12, S13, and S17, as well as development management policies DES1, EP1, SD4, NE1, GI1, and LC5.

The committee also took into account national planning policy, including Future Wales - the national plan 2040 and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 12.

The committee noted objections from neighbours regarding surface water, visual impact, and loss of agricultural land.

The committee also noted that NRW had not objected to the plan, subject to conditions.

The committee were satisfied that the development was acceptable, subject to conditions, and that the development would not adversely affect the character of the rural area, nearby heritage assets, or the local landscape.

Retention of Illuminated Fascia Signs in Abergavenny

The committee approved an application to retain two existing internally illuminated fascia signs at 43 Frogmore Street, Abergavenny. This application had been previously considered at the August meeting, where the committee resolved to approve the application, contrary to the officer's recommendation for refusal.

The committee considered the LDP policies, including strategic policies S13 and S17, as well as development management policies HE3, HE1, DES3, DES1, EP1, and MV1.

The committee also took into account national planning policy, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales (12th Ed, 2024), the Town and Country Planning Act (Control Of Advertisement) Regulations (1992), Technical advice note (TAN) 7: Outdoor Advertisement Control, and Technical advice note (TAN) 24: Historic Environment.

The committee noted comments from Abergavenny Town Council in support of the application.

The committee also noted objections from the MCC Heritage officer, who stated that the signage was not in keeping with shopfront and conservation area guidance.

The committee also noted comments from the MCC Highways officer, who stated that the signage did not project into the public highway and was located at a suitable height.

The committee were satisfied that the development was acceptable, subject to conditions, and that the development would support local businesses in the town centre.

Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decisions

The committee reviewed the Planning Inspectorate's decisions regarding appeals for the following sites:

• Land at Severn Bridge Industrial Estate, Pill Row, Caldicot: The appeal was dismissed, and the enforcement notice was upheld. Planning permission was refused on the application deemed to have been made under Section 177(5) of the Act.
• Land near Plas Ivor Cottage, Hill House to Llymon Brook, Cross Ash: The enforcement notice was corrected, upheld and planning permission was refused on the application deemed to have been made under section 177(5) of the 1990 Act as amended.
• The Old Forge, Main Road, Portskewett: The appeal was dismissed.
• Land at 8 Woolpitch Wood, Bayfield, Chepstow: The Enforcement Notice was corrected, the appeal was dismissed and the Enforcement Notice upheld.