Chepstow caravan site plan ‘recipe for disaster’

Cllr David Dovey said changing the use of a field at Tredegar Farm, Devauden, to a touring caravan park would be a “recipe for disaster,” as access would be off the B3245, which is popular with bikers.

He told other members of Monmouthshire Council ’s planning committee that he believed caravans coming out of the field would be in the middle of the road travelling at a low speed, increasing the possibility of a collision.

The meeting heard from Ian Moore, of Shirenewton Community Council, who said he was recently notified that planning officers had recommended the park, for up to 30 caravans, for approval.

Reasons included bringing tourism and economic benefits to the area between March and October. Councillors visited the site on Monday, August 6, two days before the meeting.

“If you were there on a Sunday the B4235 is almost a racetrack for some bikers,”

Mr Moore said.

“We are concerned these amended plans do not and cannot increase visibility on this notorious stretch of road.”

He added that despite the road having warning signs telling bikers to slow down, there were “three to four”

fatalities in the last few years.

A report which went before councillors said the highways department had no objection to the plans as existing access on to the B3245 is due to widened, increasing visibility.

Cabinet member for culture and environment Giles Howard said the proposed tourist site did not seem “particularly sustainable” as there was very little within walking distance and users would have to use their cars to get anywhere, which Cllr Maureen Powell agreed with.

Labour councillor Roger Harris was one of two in favour of the plans.

He said: “I have heard the arguments but I can’t see valid reasons why we can’t approve this.”

But councillors voted to refuse the plans and a final decision will be made at the next planning committee meeting.