The plans for the demolition of Hebron Hall and replace it with seven mews houses was discussed at Monmouth Town Council’s planning meeting last week (Tues Apr 19).

It was noted that the building has fallen into significant disrepair over the years following a number of years of flooding and so councillors felt that having it developed would be a positive.

A concern was raised that the façade of the buildings proposed could be more in-keeping with the area but it was noted that more dwellings were required in the town and so this could be welcomed.

Concerns were raised about the parking facilities and the lack of amenity space for the development. It was noted that there is only one space per dwelling with most homes having two vehicles and so there was the question where any overflow vehicles would park? Increased traffic concerns were also raised as a result of additional cars in the area but it was thought that with the houses being in the centre of town a reduced vehicle requirement should be expected for each property.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of green space included in the development and also how accessible the area is for amenity vehicles such as waste disposal.

However, it was noted that the waste vehicle would not need to enter the site for collection and that delivery lorries are already accessing the proposed location at the back of Monnow Street. It was also noted by some that in terms of green space the dwellings were a few minutes walk to Chippenham Mead and so this would mitigate the lack of landscaping for dwellings 1-5.

It was thought that it would be positive to include aspects of the Hebron Hall in the design as a reminder of what was there previously and it was noted that the applicant proposes to use the stone at the front of the building in their development design.

The public access through the development was welcomed with councillors feeling that more links from the car parks to the high street would be beneficial for active travel routes.

It was noted that a drainage report addressed the issue of increased waste water but it did not clarify what sort of drainage system would be used.

Councillors welcomed the use of air source heat pumps but there was no information regarding what pumps are proposed to be used.

Furthermore, the committee was surprised to see that no provision had been included for EV charging on site and would like this to be taken into consideration.

Councillors felt it was a shame to lose the building but noted that the structural report gave sufficient reasoning for the demolition of the building with the foundations sinking and the building being unable to be saved for future development.

Councillors questioned the success of the development with the concerns raised by the Welsh Government regarding the phosphate levels in the River Wye but it was noted that the applicant would need to undertake a Sustainable Drainage Approval Body (SAB) report in any event and that this would guide the future of the development.

It was resolved to recommend approval of application providing the developer considers including EV charging points for each property; That the developer addresses the SAB scheme issue; provision of detailed reports of the air source heat pump that is proposed for the development were suggested and the issue of phosphate levels in the River Wye is addressed.

Other plans discussed was the application to consider turning the Round House at the Kymin into a short-stay holiday let. Councillors welcomed the application in that it was thought that a short term holiday let would ensure that the building remained in good state and would reduce the chance of vandalism in the area.

It was thought that such a change would also attract more tourism to the area.

Councillors felt that the proposed development would be a suitable use of an empty building and would ensure the long term maintenance of an iconic building for the town.

Councillors suggested that the National Trust could still hold open days for members of the public.

It was resolved to recommend approval of the application. This will now go before the planning committee of MCC in the coming months.