A DEVELOPER’S plan to build a retail park and pub on a gateway space into Wales has been unanimously rejected after more than 600 Monmouth residents objected.

The ‘Nelson Place’ scheme for land next to Dixton roundabout on the A40 was first floated nearly six years ago, and originally included a McDonalds and drive-through Costa Coffee.

But there was fierce opposition to it organised by the Gateway to Wales protest group, and Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee finally rejected an updated bid last week after hearing that it would take trade away from businesses in Monmouth town centre.

Flooding fears and lighting issues were also raised over the Avenbury Ventures proposal, which the firm claimed would have created up to 55 jobs – including 35 full-time positions – at two bulky goods retailers and a Marston’s family pub.

The company had argued that it would have provided “much-needed” economic development by luring shoppers from out-of-town locations like Newport and Hereford.

But planning officers said the jobs were likely to be low skilled and low paid, and the retail park would be contrary to the authority’s destination development plan.

Monmouth mayor and county councillor Richard Roden told the planning committee: “One of the plan’s objectives is to make a great first impression on visitors to Wales.

“But we should be encouraging visitors to enter Monmouth to experience the unique blend of shopping, historical sites, tea rooms, restaurants and pubs that the town offers.

“The building of a prominent public house and retail park at the entrance of the town would work against this, drawing visitors away from the town which is a delight to visit and in need of more footfall.”

Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce chairman David Cummings said a retail park would “adversely affect” the town’s “uniqueness” and its role as a gateway into Wales.

“No town is improved by an out-of-town retail development,” he said.

The McDonalds and drive-through Costa Coffee elements were dropped after neighbouring Monmouth Comprehensive School and the town’s private Haberdashers’ schools objected.

But the updated scheme for the spear of land beside the comprehensive’s playing fields was roundly rejected in September 2017 at a public Shire Hall meeting of the town council attended by more than 100 people.

David Farnsworth, an urban regeneration specialist, told the gathering: “It will damage town centre trade’s vitality and viability. It’s also a very prominent site at the entrance to Wales and the town.”