AMENDED plans for the Dixton Roundabout development have been submitted to Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

The new plans now have an air quality assessment but still incorporate a fast-food drive-through outlet, a drive-through coffee shop, a public house/restaurant and a bulky goods retail unit.

The area is a greenfield site owned by Tesco and has permitted development rights. The principle of the proposal is therefore not an issue, although the nature of the development has aroused strong feelings in the town, both for and against the plan.

Access to the site would be off Dixton Road and subject to scrutiny by the county's planning and highways department.

The previous application, which had not been registered and therefore declared invalid, said that the retail unit dealt with bulky household goods, such as carpets, furniture and electricals and had a Pets at Home business above.

The fast food outlet had been previously allocated to a McDonald's franchise, raising concerns with many parents who voiced strong views about health concerns and the site of a popular fast food outlet in close proximity to the comprehensive school. The amended plans just refer to an unspecified fast-food restaurant.

When the development was first proposed just over a year ago, a public meeting attracted about 300 people, many of whom were against the plans. Objectors believe that there will be no net gain in job numbers due to the normal knock on effect of edge of town development on the viability of town centres.

Other specific local objections include the safety of road users and pedestrians around the roundabout and Dixton Road, and the impact on the neighbouring residential area of large scale building.

Monmouth's Chamber of Commerce also voiced its concerns about the site.

The Gateway to Wales Action Group has been set up to oppose the scheme and work towards a more suitable use of the site. Elaine Phillips, chair of the group, has appealed to all residents opposed to the plans to contact with the group by emailing gatewaytowales@

hotmail.co.uk or calling 07958 575994.

The developer behind the proposals has said that the scheme will create 147 jobs and provide a number of benefits to visitors and customers, while redeveloping a vacant site.

The application numbered DC/2013/01071 can be viewed online at http://www.monmouthshire">www.monmouthshire.

gov.uk with detailed plans available. Alternatively, they can be seen at Monmouth Library and One Stop Shop.

Monmouth Town Council's Planning Committee will be holding a public meeting to hear opinions for and against the proposal with the date yet to be confirmed.