CLAIMS that there was a “lack of consultation” over plans to build 25 homes in place of a care facility have been rebuffed.

Caldicot Town Council had made such comments in a written a letter of objections against Monmouthshire Housing Association’s (MHA) proposals.

Members also said there wasn’t enough time given for the consultation during the pre-application process to demolish the Brookside complex, which is itself an MHA site.

The facilities on Neddern Way, which was built in the 1970s, were deemed “outdated” by the applicants and its tenants have since been moved to other local accommodation.

Responding to the town council’s refusal, an MHA spokesman said that the organisation had gone beyond what was expected of them in order to effectively consult the public.

He said: “MHA has gone significantly further than statutory requirement dictates for the pre-application consultation to redevelop the Brookside complex.

“A public consultation was held at Dewstow Primary School on October 11, with invitations sent to some 350 local households and advertised in the local paper, which is greater than the statutory requirement for pre-application consultation.

He added: “MHA also held a pre-application meeting with Monmouthshire County Council on October 26 and has completed all statutory planning requirements.”

Concerns over the proximity of the site to the Bethany Baptist Church have also been expressed by residents nearby.

The church had plans for an extension approved in 2014 and the second phase of building, which is yet to begin, would be just metres from some of the proposed homes.

The extension has been reviewed by the development team and it is considered that the homes “would not have a detrimental effect on the proposed development”.