MONMOUTH will see its second new car park in six months after county planners gave approval yesterday (25th April), for a 39 space long-stay parking area close to the A40.

First alluded to in the 1980s, the plans have been watered down from the recent 60 space proposal, following problems with access and egress.

Originally plans were for access through Granville Street, but planning officers settled for limiting the number of spaces and allowing access to the park from Wyebridge Street, just off the A40.

The parking areas will be grasscrete and a limited amount of tarmac would be used for walkways.

Two trees will be cut down, but three more (two pin oaks and one pear) will be planted to add to the six mature trees left standing.

Lighting will be from bollards amongst the trees and four metre high double arm lighting columns which will supplying the main illuminance, although it was accepted that an amount of overspill would come from the A40 lights.

Raingardens, designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff, are hoped to provide habitat for pollinators.

With a number of residents supporting the application, county planning officers recommended approval, a view endorsed by chairman of the Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, David Cummings.

Mr Cummings has been lobbying for the car park for more than a decade and was happy that the plans would be of great benefit to the businesses at the Shire Hall end of town and confident that the park would be in operation by the end of the year.

“This new car park is the final part of  a three part initiative by the chamber to improve the infrastucture of the town. The other completed parts being the Premier Inn and the free Rockfield Road car park,” he said.

Councillor Alan Wintle gave his support for the car park saying “it was a long time coming” but showed concern for the possibility of cars trying to turn left on leaving and trying to get down to the A40. “Any car park is better than no car park” he summarised.

Cllr Bob Hayward in his last meeting as councillor before he stands down, agreed that this park was necessary for the “vitality to the top part of the town” although said he was disappointed that the plans were now only for 39 spaces, down from the original 60.

He also expressed disappointment that the only motorists to benefit would be those from Wyesham, as Dixton and Osbaston residents would have to travel the bottom of town and then up the dual carriageway to the traffic lights. and was skeptical that the new parking regime at Glendower of four hours stay with no return for two hours would not discourage pupils from parking there “ new equipment or not!”

“It is vital for the town and imperative that we pass it,” he added.

The plans were passed 11 votes for, one against.