Monmouth Planning Committee reviews key applications and boosts local safety and heritage protections

The Monmouth Town Council Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, at 6.30 pm in the Roberts Room at Bridges. The meeting covered several planning applications, updates on enforcement matters, and ongoing projects affecting the town. Apologies were accepted from Councillors Rugen-Hankey and Wilcock, and Cllr Brehany sent her apologies during the meeting due to connectivity issues. No declarations of interest were made by Committee members.

The minutes from the previous meeting held on 22nd July 2025 were confirmed and signed as a true record. No members of the public requested to speak during the meeting. There were no late payments for approval. The Committee discussed four planning applications in detail.

DM/2025/00728 at 3-4 Drybridge Terrace

The first application, DM/2025/00728 at 3-4 Drybridge Terrace, proposed a small single-storey rear extension. Concerns about the impact on the historic property had been raised by the Georgian Group and echoed by the Committee. However, the Committee felt that there was not enough information to fully assess the potential effects on the heritage of the building. As a result, they were unable to make a recommendation and requested that the applicant provide additional information for reconsultation.

DM/2025/00943 at 43 Wonastow Road

The second application, DM/2025/00943 at 43 Wonastow Road, involved the demolition of two rear single-storey extensions and the construction of a new single-storey and two-storey rear extension, with internal alterations. The Committee considered the conditions recommended by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Ecological Report appropriate. They recommended approval on the condition that the applicant follows NRW recommendations, obtains a bat mitigation licence, and considers adding bird boxes, particularly for Swifts, to support local biodiversity.

DM/2025/00868 at The Ancre Hill, Rockfield Road

The third application, DM/2025/00868 at The Ancre Hill, Rockfield Road, proposed converting existing outbuildings into a single dwelling. The Committee noted the bat survey recommendations and found the design suitable for the location. They recommended approval, provided the applicant adheres to the conditions in the bat survey. The fourth application, DM/2025/01022 at 40 Monnow Keep, proposed converting a garage door into a solid wall with a window to create additional living accommodation. While the potential impact on parking was considered, it was not relevant for this existing property. The Committee recommended approval of the application.

The Committee also received an update from the Derelict Buildings Working Group. The Buildings At Risk Officer for Monmouthshire County Council, appointed on 29th July 2025, will liaise with Cllr Brehany regarding ongoing concerns. During the review of the Action Summary, the Committee noted the recent demolition of some buildings at Troy Station, discussed the proposed design of the former Gate House pub, and considered a public concern regarding paving slab colours at St Thomas Garden, where the original Monmouth stone is no longer available. It was noted that the Peacocks building has been purchased. Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce will meet with County Councillor Paul Griffiths regarding scaffolding at 10 Church Street. The Barton has now reopened and has been removed from the Action Summary.

The Chairperson did not provide a report at this meeting. For future discussions, the Committee agreed to include consultation on the Wonastow Road footpath closure on the next agenda and to add information about Swifts to the Town Council’s website to support local biodiversity awareness. The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 2nd September 2025.