PLANS for an events pavilion in the grounds of Abergavenny Castle have been dealt a blow by a new report assessing noise from the development.

Monmouthshire councillors have been recommended to approve a proposed £226k all-weather structure in empty space of the castle grounds to host an annual programme of events next week.

But a new independent noise impact report by Hunter Acoustics, commissioned by residents, has said noise from music events would have a "significant impact" on residents.

Objector Stefan Horowskyj says the noise would be "equivalent to a propeller plane constantly flying over at 1000ft, or a diesel van or train travelling at 40-45 mph within100 feet of the gardens."

Monmouthshire council has confirmed the report will be considered, though it says it was not received in time to be included in the agenda.

The council's own environmental health team has recommended a condition is included to minimise noise impact, limiting the number of events and when they can be held.

It acknowledges the pavilion could cause disturbance, but insists it is not enough reason to object.

Several homes are within 30m of the proposed pavilion, with gardens as close as 10m.

Kamma Foulkes, one of those living nearby, has called for the council to defer the plans to allow the new report further consideration.

"This report tears to shred the MCC museum service report and concludes that residents would suffer intolerable nuisance from music events," she added.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay has added his voice to those concerned.

South Wales Argus:

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay

"Local residents and businesses are understandably anxious about this proposed development so unacceptably close to neighbouring properties," he said.

"The new evidence surrounding the level of noise compounds these concerns.

"If this new pavilion is to go ahead, more appropriate locations should now be considered."

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MP David Davies has suggested the plans are referred to the planning inspectorate to give assurances to residents.

Mr Horowskyj said objectors are not opposed to the building of a pavilion in the castle grounds but that they are against the planned location.

A spokesman for Monmouthshire council said: "While the residents’ report was not received in time to be included with the agenda it will be among the documentary evidence to be considered and has been passed to our environmental health team for comments.

"Officers recommend that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, which include strict limits over the times the pavilion can be used, to prevent noise disturbance at unsociable hours."