A NEW three-storey home in the Monmouth Conservation area on Hereford Road was expected to be given the go-ahead yesterday despite overwhelming local opposition, writes Keith Fairbank.

Councillors met yesterday to discuss two concurrent applications at County Hall after officers had recommended both be approved. One application involves the demolition of an existing garage, while the other was for the new dwelling to be built in the garden of the Moat House on Hereford Road.

The existing garage was described as a prefabricated concrete structure dating to the 1960s or 1970s with "negligible architectural value" and its proposed demolition triggered no relevant objections from Glamorgan Gwent or the Royal Commission. However substantial opposition from nearby residents had resulted in Monmouth Town Council openly opposing the scheme over concerns for the local conservation area. But in light of the only concerns being in relation to the building of a new house, rather than saving the proposed garage, officers recommended this first plan be approved. County Council planners have also received one letter in support both of the garage demolition and the new dwelling being erected and were thus expected to back the officers' recommendation.

The second application - that for the new three-bed dwelling - faced more relevant opposition but officers nevertheless supported the plans ahead of yesterday's hearing.

Planners noted that several of the nearby properties are listed but that the land in question; at number seven, The Moat House, was not. The detailed plans outlined a three-bed detached property "similar in appearance to the pair of semi-detached dwellings to the south", specifically with regard to height, appearance and the details of windows and doors.

Again, the Town Council recommended the plans be refused. Letters of objection and a 21-party petition outlined concerns over the impact on the Hereford Road area and adjacent properties.

But the Conservation group were satisfied the scheme "would not harm the conservation area" provided traditional building materials were used. Officers agreed the planned dwelling would be acceptable, commending that it replaced the "unsightly" garage. This point of view was relayed to councillors prior to yesterday's decision.