RESIDENTS in a Monmouthshire village will be shown proposals to build new homes and a green space on the site of a former school.

Monmouthshire council is to consult residents in Govilon, near Abergavenny, to find out what they think of plans to redevelop the three-acre site at The Avenue.

Govilon Primary School closed in July 2010 to cut 400 surplus places in the county.

Four months after its closure the empty building, owned by Monmouthshire council, was destroyed in a blaze.

It was demolished last year and the site has remained with the authority while it decided what to do with it.

More than a year after the blaze the authority now says it intends to sell the site and put the money back into education.

Nearby resident Derek Marsh, of The Avenue, welcomed the decision to redevelop the site but said a housing estate was not the answer.

“A new village hall or youth centre for community use would be better than housing,” said Mr Marsh, 64.

Local councillor Christine Walby said the plans are sympathetic to the surroundings, but is concerned it will bring more children into a village which has lost its school.

A community information evening will be held to unveil the proposal next week.

Following consultation, the council will consider any changes and submit a Planning application to the Brecon Beacons National Park Planning Authority.

The consultation event takes place at Govilon Village Hall between 4pm and 8pm on February 9.