HAPPINESS is most certainly NOT evident in this hamlet.

Nearly all of the residents in the tiny settlement of Brynygwenin on the outskirts of Abergavenny are objecting to a new housing scheme.

The Eastern Valley Housing Association wants to build seven affordable two-story houses in the picturesque community which nestles under the shadow of the Skirrid Fawr and within yards of the famous Walnut Tree restaurant.

More than 40 letters of objection have been sent to Monmouthshire County Council by furious residents. One of them, Gerry Walker, objects to the application raising concerns including lack of public transport, an already congested and dangerous road and a lack of amenities such as a shop, church, pub or village hall and nothing for children.

"Nearly everyone in Brynygwenin objects to having more houses built here.

Resident Peter Millward said that the road won't cope with the extra traffic if more houses are built.

"There is no gas main here and another seven houses would cause more problems."

Llantilio Pertholey Community Council members are said to be divided over the controversial proposal following a site visit at the weekend. In a letter to residents, their clerk Neil Chambers said that members were not convinced the criteria would provide local housing for local people.

Monmouthshire County Councillor and prospective Conservative Assembly candidate for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay said: "I believe this is totally inappropriate for Brynygwenin and contravenes key conditions for affordable housing as set out in the UDP."

Eastern Valley Housing Association told the Free Press: "If approved, the scheme of two and three-bedroom houses will provide high-quality, energy-efficient and sustainable housing."

The application is due to be discussed by Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee in the near future.