New pay and display machines will be installed at Monmouth's Waitrose car park after councillors gave plans the thumbs-up yesterday (Tuesday 3rd December).

The application proposed the introduction of six pay and display machines, a modification to existing trolley bays and the removal of the kiosk and car park barrier.

Waitrose customers who spend over the minimum in the supermarket will receive a parking refund at the till.

A new pedestrian crossing will also run across the middle of the site, accessing the rear entrance to Waitrose, with new walkways marked around the parking bays.

People visiting the doctor's surgery with a disability will still be able to park free of charge with a registered disabled badge.

Monmouth Town Council recommended refusal because the "application is believed to contravene the original conditions for use of land as car park."

Opinions regarding the proposal were voiced online via MCC's planning application website.

One resident said: "I see the problem from the Waitrose perspective, especially on a Saturday when a number of families turn up for their children to play football and other games on Chippenham Fields, spending a couple of hours on site, not allowing others to park for shopping at Waitrose."

Another stated: "The car park is built on what was village green as part of Chippenham Mead.

"It was understood that parking for patients attending Chippenham Surgery would be payment-free."

Councillor Alan Wintle told yesterday's meeting: "It's Waitrose's car park so there's not much we can do about it.

"The kiosk is an eye sore. I'm not sure how Waitrose will police the car park but I forward it for approval."