THE controversial plans to redevelop the Aberga-venny cattle market have been significantly improved, and the public will have the chance to see them soon.

This was the heartening news for Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet from Steve Greenslade, director for the environment.

His view was reiterated by George Ashworth, head of planning who said: "We have held a series of meetings with the developers and are pleased with significant changes for the better, in particular the library and cinema elevations and the roof of the Asda supermarket."

He said the new plans also brought more character to the 35 flats, and more interesting detail.

But on the downside Mr Greenslade said the improvements to the plans would cost the council because it would reduce the capital receipt for the sale of the site.

Cllr Chris Woodhouse said it was the start of the improvement process and warned that the planning committee would also ask for further improvements.

Mr Greenslade said a new planning application would be considered by the county planning committee and this would give people the chance to make their comments on the revised plans. He described it as "a very fair and open process".

He added: "I would love people to be able to see the new drawings but they're not ours, they belong to Henry Boot. They will be available to the public when they are submitted to planning."

Mr Ashworth said they were expecting an application to be made in January, and they would then consult with all local groups.

A spokesman for the Henry Boot development company said they were confident the reception to their new plans would be warmer.

Speaking at the Bryn y Cwm area committee Cllr Chris Woodhouse defended the new plans. He has met the architects and requested that they visit several towns to see how, if a modern supermarket is tastefully designed, it can sit comfortably alongside listed buildings. "The developers have come back with a modified design and incorporated a lot of stone. Three sides of the foodstore will be made of natural stone and sit comfortably between Bailey Park and the town.

"We have a highly dependable planning committee who are not political. I have every confidence in that committee to come up with the right decision.

"I would like to think that we hear from other people in Abergavenny who did not make themselves heard as much as some.

"The developers have listened to our arguments for improvements. We have got to see a 100 percent improvement."

Cllr Alan Breeze added: "The fundamental issue is what is there and how it affects the High Street."

Alan Michie, of the pressure group SAUCE (Save Abergavenny's Unique Character and Environment) said they had not been consulted over plans for redevelopment of the cattle market.

Barry Greenwood, Abergavenny and Crickhowell Friends of the Earth said: "Evidence larger superstores damage smaller towns is overwhelming. The evidence is the new Asda in Brynmawr is taking trade away from the town. Do they think Abergavenny will be regenerated? The evidence points the opposite way."