The development officer for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Craig O'Connor confirmed to Monmouth Town Planners that Caffè Nero, are trading unlawfully at 40 Monnow Street.

He confirmed by letter that an application had been received by MCC for a change of use, but it was not a valid application and therefore town planners would not have been consulted yet.

He continued: "The current use of the building is unlawful as planning consent has not been given for the development."

No-one from Caffè Nero was available for comment at the time of going to press.