OBJECTORS to a scheme to convert an Edwardian house in Abergavenny into five flats are delighted it has been thrown out by planners.

Several of them were at the meeting of the county planning committee last week to hear members unanimously reject the plans for Ashbourne Lodge in Western Road, which included an extension.

Residents formed the Ashbourne Action Group and presented planning committee members who attended a site meeting with a 250-name petition.

After the meeting one of the action group Clive Davies said they were delighted with the result and the fact that councillors had taken notice of their objections. But he was angry about the minutes of the previous meeting when a decision was deferred. He said: "I am concerned the minutes were misleading in that they did not make it clear members were not happy with the number of flats."

Cllr Laurie Jones of Abergavenny town council said they objected because the stone wall would be breached and the house was in the conservation area. The extra vehicles generated by the five flats would add to the traffic problems caused in the narrow road.

Cllr Mike Smith said they were all concerned about the effect of the conversion and extension on neighbours, and said the scheme would detract from the character of the house and the extension is too close to the next door bungalow.

Planning control officer David Swanson said the amended plans cut the extension in half to lessen its effect on the neighbour, and provided 10 car parking spaces.

Cllr Bob Greenland said he was not convinced the amended scheme would not be detrimental to neighbours. "My overall view is that the block of car parking is not broken up by planting and is not acceptable in a conservation area."

Cllr Douglas Edwards moved refusal and this was unanimously agreed.