Plan to build 300 homes in Sudbrook refused (From South Wales Argus)

Plan to build 300 homes in Sudbrook refused

3:22pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build more than 300 homes on the site of a former paper mill near Monmouth has been refused by Monmouthshire Council.

Developer Harrow Estates was proposing to build up to 340 homes on the former St Regis Sudbrook Paper Mill in the small village of Sudbrook.

After operating for nearly 50 years, St Regis Sudbrook Paper Mill closed in 2006 and was demolished three years later. The council’s planning committee met at the Shire Hall, Monmouth, to discuss the proposal to develop the 100-acre site. As well as housing, the developer would create new roads and infrastructure, parking, a network of public spaces and landscaping.

Residents feared that their unique village would be overwhelmed by such a large development and lead to the loss of a ‘sense of community’.

In his report, the planning officer recommended the application be refused because the development would be contrary to Monmouthshire Council’s unitary development plan (UDP).

George Ashworth, head of planning, said: “It is of a scale that is extraordinary in such a small village.”

Mr Ashworth added that he would expect to see a development of this size alongside a town.

Cllr Peter Fox said: “As a local member I have dire concerns.

This would treble the size of our small village, which should be a jewel in our crown.”

The council’s planning officers received 12 letters from neighbours. Members of Portskewett Community Council, Caldicot Town Council refused to support the proposal. Cadw, the body that looks after ancient monuments in Wales said the proposed development would have a direct effect upon the scheduled ancient monuments Sudbrook Camp and Sudbrook Chapel.