THE governors of the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools have voiced their concerns over a proposed scheme to bring a pub, drive-through restaurant and separate coffee shop as well as a retail store and vets to the town.

In a letter to Monmouthshire council’s planning officers, the governors fear that a Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Marstons public house, Pets at Home store with a veterinary surgery on land off Dixton Roundabout will have an adverse impact on Haberdashers’ Agincourt School on Dixton Lane, which caters for children aged three to seven.

The letter highlights concerns of an increase in traffic, road safety concerns for its pupils, and overspill parking in the school’s car park.

In it they say the traffic on Dixton roundabout has been an ongoing cause for concern to staff and parents for a number of years, with many reporting several near misses while trying to get onto the roundabout. They say the proposed number of parking spaces is inadequate and would inevitably result in people parking on Dixton Lane and Dixton Road.

They add; “We are concerned that such a highly visible and inappropriate sited development in such close proximity to the school would be likely to have the detrimental effect of dissuading potential parents from sending their children to the school and that any reduction in pupil numbers could result in a reduction in the staff employed by the school.”

Gary Whitcombe, former Monmouth town councillor and leader of the British Empire Party, believes the development by Avenbury Ventures LLP will give the town a boost.

Mr Whitcombe, 77, of Watery Lane, said the scheme will create 147 “much-needed” jobs for local people. He said: “I have spoken to many people who support the scheme. There are no jobs here and many people are forced to travel to other areas to work.

“This would be a huge boost for the town and another restaurant will give people more choice.”

The developer said the scheme will create 147 jobs whilst redeveloping a vacant site.

The application has yet to be considered by Monmouthshire council’s planning committee.