Monmouth could soon have a new public house and two drive-through restaurants if proposals put before town planners are approved.

A suggested development for the site at Dixton roundabout is proposing a Marstons public house, a McDonalds fast-food restaurant, a Costa Coffee, a bulky goods retail unit and a veterinary surgery.

Councillors and member of the public were told at Monday's (21st October) planning meeting that the area, believed to be owned by Tesco, is a greenfield site and has permitted development rights.

Gary Sutton of DPP Planning Consultants went on to say that the principle of the proposal is therefore not a problem – the design and landscaping of the area are more important considerations.

The site would promise to create jobs in the area and the retail unit would not compete for business within the town itself.

Access to the site would be off the Dixton Road and when a planning application is put forward, it would be subject to close scrutiny by Monmouthshire Councy Council's (MCC) Planning Committee and Highways.

Members of the public were concerned that the addition of a public house and two drive-through restaurants would add significantly to the noise and pollution of the area, but were told national operators would ensure there was a responsible litter policy.

When asked the nature of the retail unit, the planning consultant explained that it would deal with bulky household goods, such as carpets, furniture and electricals.

They assured the public that national developers would back the application to ensure it would not fail, and the developers were currently engaged with MCC in a pre-application discussion.