FOUR hundred new houses could be built in Monmouthshire, with 120 in Monmouth, if two applications are approved by county planners.

In two separate applications, the developments on the Rockfield Road in Monmouth and on Rockfield Farm in Undy will provide a total of 390 homes if approved, along with approximately two acres of employment land.

120 of the new houses would be in Monmouth, and up to 270 houses in Undy.

In Monmouth, Hallam Land Management have applied for outline planning for the construction of up to 130 dwellings, a new means of access onto Rockfield Road, drainage infrastructure, public open space and associated development on land west of Rockfield Road.

The site in question has been the subject of substantial planning activity in recent years, including an outline application for 145 residential dwellings in late 2013 and early 2014.

The four hectare site is on two sides adjacent to existing housing sites that have sprung up since 2000, to the west of the site, outline planning permission exists for the construction of a hotel, conference centre and leisure facility., and the fourth side is the Rockfield Road heading west out of town.

Of the 130 houses, it is planned to have 85 houses for sale, 35 rental or low cost social housing and nine intermediate houses, homes for sale and rent provided at a cost above social rent, but below market levels.

Although the site conflicts with the Local Development Plan, (LDP) the agent believes the immediate and significant contribution to the supply of housing (market and affordable) in Monmouth will be beneficial as the LDP, “is not providing the housing land supply required to meet national objectives on housing delivery at present.”

The applicant has suggested that a levy on the housing site, once known as 106 monies will contribute towards the improvement of cycling facilities in the context of the site, including the Monmouth Links Cycle Scheme.

Also that it would contribute towards the extension of the hail and ride bus service locally to ensure it operates earlier in the morning and at least a 30 minute frequency during peak times.

Meanwhile an application for 270 houses and approximately five acres of employment land in Undy has sparked concerns about the impact of traffic and other public services.

The application for the development at Rockfield Farm in Undy was submitted in July, proposing to build around 270 houses and serviced land at the site as part of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s LDP.

The site is located on the northern side of Undy between the Rockfield Grove housing estate and the M4 motorway. It is currently a working sheep and cattle farm, centred around a farmhouse and nine associated outbuildings accessed from an adopted highway known as The Elms.

25 per cent of the housing will be affordable housing, designed to be indistinguishable from market housing. Approximately 66 of the households would be affordable housing units.

MCC has requested feedback for the application, hosting public engagement sessions last year.

Of the feedback received so far, there have been concerns raised by residents about the impact the development would have on traffic, on the environment and on existing services such as doctors and shops.

A detailed badger survey was made in January 2016, while there have also been surveys for trees, dormice and noise.

A number of the existing trees and hedgerows are to be included as part of the scheme.

New planting will also contribute to the site’s biodiversity.

Open spaces could be used as dedicated allotment spaces or community orchards, both contributing to healthy lifestyles and aiding the creation of valuable habitats.

Highly-insulated, weathertight construction techniques using locally-sourced and recycled materials are to be used wherever possible.

The plans for both applications can be viewed at Monmouthshire County Council’s planning portal under application number DC/2016/00870 for Monmouth and DC/2016/00883 for Undy.