OUTLINE plans to build more than 100 homes instead of an out-of-town supermarket near Abergavenny were approved, but not without reservations.

Monmouthshire councillors on the planning committee mulled over the application for the site of the Coopers Filters factory, raising concerns about school places, the number of homes, green space and its possible isolation from Abergavenny.

Barratts is already building 134 new homes on the site, which is known as Gavenny Gate.

Owner Johnsey Estates Ltd has is awaiting a decision on another plan there, for an £8 million supermarket, DIY store, garden centre and petrol station.

The applicant originally submitted plans for 83 homes but increased the number to 102 in November, according to planning documents.

This was put forward as an alternative to the supermarket proposal.

Cllr Martin Hickman of Llanfoist Fawr ward addressed members of the planning committee, saying he believed the number of homes should be limited to 80 so green areas can be included.

Conditions on the development mean the applicant, per home, must pay £2,898 for adult recreation and £550 for green travel or pedestrian improvements, as part of a section 106 agreement.

Cllr Frances Taylor said: “I think it’s important to make sure it’s sustainable, a well provided community and it’s not cut off from Abergavenny.”

Cllr Giles Howard said the lack of front gardens makes the site look overdeveloped.

Cllr Simon Howarth said there are “very few” school places left in the area, with Cllr Hickman suggesting pupils may have to commute the length of Abergavenny to go to Deri View Primary.