A PROPOSAL for a state-of-the-art hotel and spa in Monmouth is due to lodged with planners in the autumn.

The 60-bed adults-only hotel and destination spa would create 160 jobs and transform an 11-acre disused manufacturing site at the Valley Enterprise Park on the banks of the River Wye on Hadnock Road.

The site was used for manufacturing and storage of packaging materials for over 20 years, employing 150 people at its peak in the 1990's.

The developer behind the outline plans said the scheme would bring a significant economic boost to Monmouthshire and the surrounding counties. Alchemy Hospitality Management Ltd believes the inclusion of the extensive destination spa also provides a significant opportunity for a thriving year round visitor economy as well as making it a visitor destination for Wales.

Jan Kitcher, managing director of Alchemy Hospitality Management Ltd, said: “We have been really encouraged by the support we have received so far.”

“Since the start of our community consultation in February, many people have been telling us how positive this could be for the area, especially as there is a current lack of quality hotel accommodation in Monmouth.

She added: “Our plans for the hotel and spa would include a range of on-site active leisure and spa relaxation experiences for hotel residents, day spa guests and spa and wellness members.”

As part of the planning process, the development team has been consulting with the community since February, when a public exhibition was held at the Shire Hall. Over 230 people attended and 86 sent comments by post, with the majority giving positive responses.

Many hold the view that there is a need for hotel accommodation in the town and support the regeneration of a disused site and the benefits it would bring to local tourism.

Concerns raised included flooding and the potential impact on the traffic on the roundabout at Hadnock Road.

As a result of the feedback amendments have been made to the proposals which include the removal of the diesel generators from the site and talks with Welsh Water to explore the potential of ecologically managing the woodland as a result of concern from neighbouring residents on the invasive nature of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam.

An update information drop-in is due to take place at the Shire Hall in the autumn.