A GWENT councillor is being investigated by the local government ombudsman for his role in a controversial planning application.

Cwmtillery councillor Mark Holland is being scrutinised for an alleged breach of the Blaenau Gwent councillors' code of conduct for seeking to build a bungalow on a plot of land near Blaenau Gwent Row in Blaenau Gwent.

A group of residents have vehemently opposed the application, claiming the land would be more suited to a village green.

Blaenau Gwent county borough council refused planning permission for the bungalow in January although this decision was overturned in October by an inspector appointed by the National Assembly.

Residents looking to prevent the building of the bungalow are now pinning their hopes on a public inquiry, which will determine the merit of developing a village green on the land.

The inquiry will take place at council offices in Abertillery on December 13, 14 and 15.

In the meantime, Councillor Holland says he is not worried by the prospect of being scrutinised for an alleged breach of the code of conduct.

He said: "If I get found guilty of breaching the councillors' code of conduct I will be flabbergasted because to the best of my knowledge I haven't done anything wrong. I've told the ombudsman exactly what I have done and it is up to them to investigate the allegations.

"If I had done something wrong then I would be a worried man but I have followed legal advice throughout so I don't think I have anything to worry about."