THE proposed development at Dixton Road has been dealt a serious blow by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The environmental body has formally objected to the application, which seeks permission to build a Marston's restaurant, a McDonald's, a drive-through coffee house and a pet shop.

NRW has objected, stating that they feel the developer has not demonstrated that the consequences of flooding can be managed over the lifetime of the

development.

The organisation confirms the site to be within the one per cent (one in 100 years) flood probability outlines for the River Wye. These outlines also take climate change into account. NRW's records show that the proposed site has also previously flooded from the River Wye.

NRW claim that as the site is a public area, it is categorised as a highly vulnerable development and should not be allowed to go ahead.

The site is designated as Zone C2, according to Welsh Government planning standards.

The requirements for a Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) are set out by government planning officials.

Although a 2013 FCA has been produced by consultant engineers, Fairhaurst, in support of the application, NRW advice is that it fails to demonstrate that the consequences can be managed acceptably in line with government regulations and the report has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development will remain flood free in the one in 100 year flood event.

Mrs Claire McCorkindale, development planning advisor for NRW said: "If ground levels are raised to ensure the development is flood free in this event, there will be increased flood risk elsewhere."

She adds the worst case scenario is that, based on the approximate ground levels, the site is predicted to experience flooding to 2.49m in next 100 years, with the flood levels exceeding the tolerable limits.

The NRW objection warns Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee that if they grant permission, NRW should be informed of all matters that influence this decision, prior to granting permission. This will allow sufficient time for further representations to be made.

It goes on to say: "We are required to report to the Welsh Government those instances in which recommendations for refusal on grounds of flood risk have not been acceped by local planning authorities."

NRW indicates that there is a watercourse running through the site, falling beneath the footprint of the pub restaurant, thereby resulting in culverting of the watercourse. "We are generally opposed to culverting of watercourses, because it involves the complete destruction of river and bankside habitat and the interruption of a wildlife corridor thereby acting as a barrier to the movement of wildlife including fish, adds Mrs McCorkindale.

"We also advise that buildings should not be sited on top of new or existing culverts because of health and safety considerations and increased maintenance costs and complications. The culvert may, in the future, need to be repaired or replaced if conditions in the catchment change."

The planning application for the development, (ID number: DC/2013/01071) can be viewed alongside online objections prior to approval or refusal by MCC planners.