AN APPLICATION to transform the Bridge Inn, Chepstow, into a cafe, shop and apartments was approved yesterday (Tuesday 1st November) at a Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) planning committee meeting.

The proposals outline plans to convert the ground floor of the three storey Grade II listed pub into a cafe and shop, the first floor into a two bedroom flat, and the second floor to be retained as a one bedroom flat.

The plans also include the building of a pair of two-bedroom duplex apartments on the existing car park behind the Bridge Inn.

At a planning meeting last month (4th October), councillors had voted to defer the decision after concerns were raised about the design of the two apartments. Councillor Farley had echoed local resident’s concerns that the duplex’s modern design was a contrast to the surrounding conservation area.

The designs of the apartments had not been amended when they came before the planning committee yesterday, and Councillor Farley said his concerns had not been addressed, as “despite the extra work, nothing has actually changed” about the designs.

The plans were commended by the case officer however, who advised the committee to accept the planning proposal.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Councillor Murphy explained that “reluctantly I’m forced to accept this is probably the best design we’re going to come up with”, and that in his opinion a refusal would lead to a successful appeal by the developers.