A PLAN for a proposed state-of-the-art hotel and spa in Monmouth has been lodged with planning officers.

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

The developer behind the outline plans, which have been submitted to Monmouthshire council, said the scheme would create 150 jobs and bring a significant economic boost to the area and the surrounding counties.

Alchemey Hospitality Management Ltd believes the extensive destination spa on Hadnock Road also provides a significant opportunity for a thriving year-round visitor economy as well as making it a visitor destination for Wales.

The 60 bedroom hotel would feature 55 hotel studios, five suites and six serviced hotel apartments.

The scheme would include a range of on-site active leisure and spa relaxation experiences for hotel residents, day spa guests and spa and wellness members. There would also be a wellness clinic and cookery school, with private dining rooms in a separate building on the site.

As part of the planning process, the development team has spent nine months consulting with the community, with two exhibitions held at the Shire Hall attracting more than 230 people and more than 86 postal comments.

The majority of comments posted on the council’s planning portal are in support of the application. Among them are Vic and Jude Heather, of the nearby Riverside Park, who said the scheme would transform the current site which they consider an ‘eyesore’. Other say it will provide jobs and tourism for the town and attract further investment and jobs.

However, there are concerns that it will add to the traffic and congestion problems on the Wye Bridge.

Jan Kitcher, managing director of the company said: “We have been very encouraged by the feedback we have received throughout, which suggests there is a strong support for the hotel and spa.”

“People have particularly welcomed the significant regeneration and tourism opportunity that the proposal could bring to Monmouth and to Wales.”

If outline planning permission is approved a second application with set out the detailed design for the hotel and spa and the mixed use element would be consulted on prior to being submitted to planning officers.

Monmouthshire council has yet to consider the application.