CHEPSTOW could see hundreds of homes built over the next 13 years, bringing with it a population boost.

An estimated 581 homes being built by 2026 could increase the town’s population by more than eight per cent, from 16,200 to 17,594.

A total of 240 new homes could be built at Fairfield Mabey, 230 near Mounton Road, and 111 in Tutshill and Sedbury.

As a result, 1,394 men, women and children could be moving to the Chepstow area in just 13 years’ time, should the developments get the green light.

The census shows the town, Tutshill and Sedbury had 16,200 residents in 2011.

Chepstow’s population data is based on each household having 2.4 occupants as per the England/Wales average.

Developer Taylor Wimpey was last night consulting the public at the Palmer Community Centre over plans for 230 homes, plus a new hotel or restaurant.

The developer has entered into an option agreement on the site to the south of Mounton Road, a legal contract to purchase if plans, yet to be submitted, are approved.

The Planning Inspectorate for Wales is considering the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) to see whether it is sound in choosing where to put 4,000 homes by 2021.

Fairfield Mabey is earmarked for around 240 homes by that date. The first 40 could be built in 2017, alongside improvement works on the A48.

Also, 111 homes are planned in Tutshill and Sedbury by the Forest of Dean District Council, as part of its plan.

The council’s head of planning, George Ashworth, said: “Fairfield Mabey has a greater capacity than we have allowed for.

“We could actually increase the number of homes there by another 100.”

Mr Ashworth said the council has attempted to make the Mounton Road site part of the greenbelt, protecting the views west from the A466, as it is an important tourist route.

Builders are also well into constructing a 169-home scheme, redeveloping the old Osborn International site, on Lower Church Street.

Secretary of Chepstow Society, Henry Hodges, said: “I haven’t met anybody who thinks all these new homes is a good idea.

Another 230 homes on the outskirts of Chepstow, not in the LDP, just doesn’t make sense.

Thornwell councillor Armand Watts said the developments should contain affordable homes for young people living with their parents.