MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council has approved plans to build 10 'glamping pods' at a site in Monkswood despite objections from residents.

The proposed site adjacent from Fair Oak along Rumble Street, will feature the glamping, short for glamorous camping, structures, a utility of services block and parking area.

After initially being rejected, the proposal was put to the planning committee after council tourism and biodiversity officers raised no objections to the revised plans.

Locals of Rumble Street objected to the plans on the grounds of road safety and loss of amenity.

One residents raised concerns over the appearance of the pods, saying that they "looked like giant pig sties".

County councillor Ann Smith, whose ward of Llanbradoc covers Monkswood, echoed her constituent's concerns by referring to the street's frequent use by schoolchildren, dogwalkers and cyclists.

Paul Fletcher, representing Rumble Street residents, further reinforced the impact the plans would have on the community.

"This application has been approved by people who have briefly visited the site and think they know the area well enough to make an informed decision," Mr Fletcher said. "Rumble Street is complex, it has a unique character issues that can only be fully appreciated by people who have lived there for a while.

"Commercialising the lane in this way will change it forever to the detriment of most households, for the financial benefit of one."

Mr Fletcher also said that an increase in road traffic by those who have no knowledge of the tight bends of the road will lead to an increase in risk.

Councillors Phil Murphy and Jim Higginson visited the site on Monday and both raised concerns over the "tightness" of the entrance.

Despite this, Councillor Murphy described the scheme as a "good one" which coincided with the county's plans to increase tourism.

Councillor Higginson also rejected claims by residents that the installing of the 10 units was "excessive".