Monmouthshire's marathon meeting was 'a failure of democracy'

The plans, which could see 4,000 houses built across the borough over the next 10 years were adopted by the council, despite concerns expressed by many of the 100 members of the public who attended.

One of those was Mr Kim Jarvis, of St Lawrence Road, Chepstow who told the Free Press. "It was a failure of democracy."

Mr Jarvis who left the meeting after 10 long hours added: "The council's line was that development has to go somewhere. The meeting itself was a token jesture.

"We, the public, were only allowed to comment on the development in certain areas and not the plan as a whole."

And Councillor John Marshall says he felt ashamed to be part of the council which he said had disregarded the pleas from those in the public gallery.

He said: "I felt that the public had come to the meeting well prepared to present and put forward their arguments but it seemed like a waste of time."

He has written to chairman Councillor Brian Hood to express his dismay.

Mr Jarvis added that almost every councillor voted against the development in their ward but voted for those in other wards so the plans were pushed through no matter what.

He added: "I am grateful that the public were able to go along but the decisions were already done and dusted prior to the meeting."

The only proposed housing development removed from the plan was one for Raglan, as an alternative site was suggested by Cllr Andrew Crump.

Meanwhile plans to build 15 houses in Llanellen were pushed through despite much local opposition.

In a letter to the Free Press Mr George Church, of Elm Drive in the village, said he was disappointed that so many councillors abstained when it came to voting.

"The plan to build the houses was pushed through despite much local opposition. Of course the residents are not granted the privilege, responsibility or opportunity to vote," he said.

Monmouthshire council chairman cllr Brian Hood has defended the length of time the meeting took and has praised the council for being the only local authority in Wales to allow the public to speak at such a meeting.

He said: "In consulting it is impossible to please everyone and we do try to take into account all the evidence, including people's views in coming to a decision."

Plans adopted by the council include: Chepstow: Fairfield Mabey site, Chepstow is earmarked for a mixed use development of 240 homes as well as space for industrial and business development.

Abergavenny: 300 homes for land at Deri Farm Mardy, against much opposition.

Usk: 30 homes a the Cwrt Burrium site off Monmouth Road Penperlleni: Land south of School Lane is earmarked for 40 dwellings.

Cross Ash: 10 dwellings for a site adjacent to the village hall, plus five houses on a site adjacent to the Old Cross Ash Garage.

Grosmont: 15 homes and a community open space is proposed for land adjacent to Poorscript Lane.

Little Mill: 15 dwellings for a site north of the village.

Llanddewi Rhydderch: Land to the north west of the village is earmarked for 15 houses.

Llangybi:10 dwellings to be built on land at Ton Road.

Llanfair Kilgeddin: five homes planned for north of the village.

Wern Gifford/ Pandy: 15 houses adjacent to the Wern Gifford estate.