DESPITE stinging criticism from three local councillors, the plans for the swimming pool housed within the present leisure centre in Monmouth has been approved by county planners.

Recommended to be turned down by Monmouth Town Council planning committee, the pool plans were discussed yesterday (4th April) at county level and Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee heard from councillor Chris Munslow about the misgivings the town council had with the pool plans.

He claimed that the pool was not of competition standard and insufficient viewing facilities were available.

The five lanes on offer did not meet national recommendations of 2.5 metres wide and re-iterated that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get it right.

The committee then heard from David Hamer, representing the architects involved with the plans who said the dimensions were in line with sports governing body requirements. The 25 metre pool had five lanes that were suitable for national requirements and pointed out that there were three viewing areas available.

County Councillor Bob Hayward then reminded the committee that it was their own council that said it would be a pool fit for purpose with a six lane 50 metre pool originally on offer. “This is a political decision, not a planning decision” he said, “and this is a political promise that has been broken,” claiming the pool has now been “crammed in” to fit a building not made for purpose and the new gym would be now only available out of school hours.

Cllr Debbie Blakebrough found her position very difficult in voting on the plans; “We started with the proportions of an Olympic pool and we have ended up with a paddling pool” she bemoaned.

She continued to say the pool was being built on the cheap and the county would be leaving a legacy not fit for purpose should they pass the plans. adding that she was “uncomfortable” being forced to approve this although it was “better than nothing”.

“We have got to get this right” she added, “it has to be right for the future and this is not it.”

Cllr Alan Wintle expressed concerns with the depth of the pool and Cllr Dovey said he was not sure the accommodation for spectators was adequate.

Cllr Maureen Powell proposed the committee should pass the plans saying she could see no problem with the depth of the pool, nor the plans.

The plans were passed by nine votes to three.