PLANS to build up to 45 homes on a greenfield site in Raglan have been given outline permission, despite concerns expressed over the suitability of the site.

Outline planning consent for a development on a 5.4 acre site off Chepstow Road in the village was approved by Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee on Tuesday, with all matters reserved.

The meeting heard from Cllr Brian Willott, of Raglan Community Council, who expressed concerns that the site is prone to flooding.

Cllr Willott said he feared building on the land would increase flood risk.

Concern was also raised over traffic management and worries that existing traffic problems would worsen.

Another speaker raised concern over the "high density" of housing proposed, adding that it would be "alien and unnecessary in a rural village."

But Mark Cullen, planning agent on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council, said development of up to 45 homes on the site has been identified in the Local Development Plan.

Mr Cullen said the development also included 35 per cent affordable housing and that it was considered a "sustainable location."

Cllr Giles Howard (Llanfoist Fawr) asked whether it was possible to give a steer that the council does not want a development of 45 homes "crammed in in whatever form" given the concerns of the community council and the rural nature of the village.

Cllr Phil Murphy (Caerwent) gave assurances the plans would be given "detailed consideration" and that all matters were reserved in the application.

And Cllr Roger Harris (Croesonen) called for the application to be approved.

He said: "I just find it sad that we spend most of our time trying to minimise the amount of houses we are building when we are so desperately short of housing all over the place."

A public consultation event was held prior to the plans being submitted and drew a mixed response.

Out of 42 feedback forms submitted, more than half raised concerns about school capacity to accommodate the number of children from the development.

Several also raised concerns about flooding.

Of those in favour of the development, the majority said new housing in Raglan was “desperately needed.”

Councillors voted to approve the application, subject to a section 106 legal agreement.