CONTROVERSIAL PLANS for a food kiosk to be built in Chepstow's Bank Street, have been approved by Monmouthshire council's planning committee.

The application to allow a kiosk to be built in the town had already been met with opposition from a number of town councillors, traders, and residents, arguing that a food kiosk would be an eye-sore in part of the town's conservation area. They also claimed it would further increase noise, traffic, and litter problems.

Chepstow town council had already voted to refuse the plans, and strong opposition from the Chepstow Society was also submitted to Monmouthshire council.

But the recommendation to approve the application had already been submitted by Monmouthshire council officers, when the item was scheduled to appear on last month's planning meeting.

However, the decision was deferred pending a site inspection, which subsequently took place on Monday, and on Tuesday, members voted 8-4 in favour of the application.

Chepstow town mayor and secretary of the Chepstow Society, Cllr Henry Hodges, said he was very disappointed with the council's decision to approve the plans, saying: "I can't believe they have approved this. I am very disappointed and confused as to how they can allow such a thing to be built in a conservation area. I really do feel sorry for the residents who live there, as they will be subjected to increased problems with litter and noise, plus an increase in traffic."

When built, the kiosk will serve hot and cold drinks, hot food, and have a seating area outside, with a toilet facility within the kiosk.