PLANS for a paid car park on land adjacent to Wyebridge Street and Granville Street in Monmouth have reached the public consultation phase. The proposed car park will have a capacity of 44 spaces, and will be built on unused vacant greenfield land near the Queen’s Head public house. The plans come alongside a wider drive to supplement the often over-subscribed 526 parking spaces within Monmouth.

Previous plans had been met with concern, as residents complained that an entrance off Granville Street would cause traffic buildup. The new proposals address these issues by placing the entrance and exit off Wyebridge Street.

Air quality impacts of the proposed development have been judged to be ‘not significant’, as the area would remain below air quality objectives. The proposals also include LED lighting and drainage options. The site has remained undeveloped since residential properties were demolished there in the 1960’s.

David Cummings, Chairman of Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “The Chamber very much welcomes news of this essential piece of infrastructure for the town, which we have lobbied MCC continually for over the last 15 years.

“These long stay car parking spaces will free up spaces in the Glendower Street short stay car park, allowing more shoppers to visit the top of town businesses and so contribute further to the vibrancy of our retail sector.

“Concerns expressed by local residents to previous plans have been addressed with no vehicular access or egress via Granville Street and no measurable change in air quality from vehicles using the new car park.

“For the benefit of users and to ensure best use of the car park,  we are pleased to see that installation of LED lighting will be included.”