A new Asda supermarket is to built near Caldicot Comprehensive School.

Monmouthshire councillors yesterday (Tuesday 4th February) approved plans to build a store on a section of the school's playing fields, west of Chepstow Road and south of Woodstock Way.

Councillor Jim Higginson said: "Everyone has been waiting for this development to take place. We should do whatever we can to help local businesses.

"I believe this will be good for Caldicot."

Councillors said they were delighted for the people of Caldicot and voted unanimously in favour of the application.

The proposal included the development of a one-storey Asda with car parking, construction of a new relief road and improvements to the public area between the new supermarket and Caldicot Library.

Outline planning permission was granted in April 2012 for a supermarket to be built on land at Woodstock Way.

Caldicot Town Council recommended the proposal for approval, despite Magor and Undy Community Council expressing concerns that serious consideration should be given in retaining existing trees next to Chepstow Road.

The development also received three letters of objection from neighbours voicing concerns over traffic congestion at the new Chepstow Road junction, increased noise and disturbance, increased flood risk and devaluation of house prices.

A transport assessment was submitted which surveyed the junctions to establish whether or not there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposal. The results demonstrated that "all junctions along the local highway network will continue to operate within capacity."

The planning committee was recommended to approve the plans subject to completion of a section 106 planning obligation.