PLANS for 15 aged care flats bordering Chepstow Castle have been refused by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

The application, which had received significant objection from the public and local groups, was unanimously refused at the MCC Planning Committee on Tuesday 7th March.

MCC’s report recommended refusal citing the impact on the Chepstow Conservation Area from such a dominant building, the impact on Chepstow Castle by extending the building line closer and the lack of vehicular access.

Also, as the landowner of the adjacent car-park, MCC would not allow access.

The local County Councillor Peter Farley was absent from the meeting but had County Councillor David Dovey present his objection on his behalf.

Cllr Dovey said: “He [Cllr Farley] believes that the development would have a serious impact on the historic heart of Chepstow, in terms of amenity and architecture and in many other ways, both while the development is carried out and after.”