PLANS for a new watersports centre at a Gwent reservoir are being recommended for approval despite numerous objections from residents and wildlife groups.

Planning permission for the two-storey centre at Llandegfedd Reservoir in Coed y Paen, near New Inn, was originally granted by Monmouthshire council in September 2007.

The application had to be resubmitted to planning officers after Welsh Water took over part of the originally agreed site.

The revised application sites the centre closer to the reservoir edge, but still includes features of the original application such as changing rooms, an equipment store, shop, rangers and race offices, plus a bar and seating area.

Officers have recommended the plans for approval.

Llandegfedd Reservoir is already well used for sailing, angling, windsurfing, canoeing and diving, and is visited by 250,000 people a year.

But the council has received objections against further development from Llangybi Fawr Community Council, Countryside Council for Wales, Coed y Paen Residents Association, Gwent Wildlife Trust and residents living nearby, as well as a petition containing 195 signatures.

In response to consultation on the original plans, Llangybi Fawr Community Council said the proposed development was unsuitable in a rural area, and could cause problems with traffic.

It also raised concerns about the impact plans would have on wildlife in the area.

Countryside Council for Wales highlighted the reservoir is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and adverse effects on the biodiversity of the area had not been considered.

Residents’ letters of objection highlighted increased activity at the reservoir would endanger the “peaceful, tranquil nature of the local environment”, and the centre itself would be prominent and intrusive.

Monmouthshire council’s planning committee will decide on the application today.