CONCERNS have been raised over plans for a water sports centre to extend its opening hours to allow new events to take place.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has launched a consultation on an application to vary two conditions relating to the water sports centre at Llandegfedd Reservoir.

The application is to allow the use of the water sports centre for events such as weddings and meetings, and to remove restrictions on hours of operation for this to take place.

But concerns have been raised over safety issues and late night noise.

At a meeting of Torfaen council's planning committee, which has been consulted as a neighbouring authority, Cllr Richard Overton (Conservative, New Inn ward) said ward councillors had received concerns in an email from a PCSO.

Cllr Overton read out the email which said: "As the local officers we are concerned about alcohol being served at this location because if anybody walks off and into the road there could be a nasty accident due to the building's location and the fact there is very poor lighting in this area.

"Then we have the added danger of people potentially jumping into the reservoir itself."

Cllr Stuart Ashley (Labour, Pontnewydd) said the changes would "extend the brief" of the centre by introducing an after dark use.

Concerns have also been raised that the change would increase traffic.

Pontypool Community Council wrote in its objection: "Residents are concerned that the licence changes will allow an increase of traffic through a country lane and if an entertainment and alcohol licence is granted it is likely that people will congregate on the foreshore of the reservoir which is not well lit and could pose a danger to life and an increase in noise level to nearby residents."

However, no objections were received from Torfaen council officers in relation to these issues.

A council report says the site is located on the edge of the reservoir which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and there may therefore be light pollution issues with late night use.

But the report says this is a matter for Natural Resources Wales to comment on to MCC.

Councillors on the planning committee voted to pass on their comments and objections as part of the consultation.