THE MEDIAEVAL castle in Usk is going back to its origins with period canvas pavilions being pitched in the grounds for visitors to stay in during the summer months reports ANDY SHERWILL.

Monmouthshire planners gave the go ahead for five mediaeval styled tents to be used during the summer months - for a trial period of one year between April and September.

The initiative will be used as a tourism business in association with the existing wedding receptions that are held at Usk Castle.

The site is located to the north of the castle walls, which is a level, grassed area and the tents, each measuring approximately 6.6 metres by 3.9 metres, will be erected on removable wooden decking.

The tents will be close to an existing open wooden shelter, which will be used as a kitchen area for basic cooking on gas hobs and for washing up.

One letter of support was received by the planning authority with seven letters of objection before the application was amended from that of a standard campsite.

After realising the level of concern from neighbours the castle owners' agreed to make it a mediaeval-themed camping area and sought a temporary consent for a trial period of one year to test the viability of the project.

Cadw, the Welsh heritage body, said that the scheme would be located on a site that has been levelled in recent centuries and there is a layer of topsoil overlying an abraded rock so that the tent pegs would not cause any archaeological damage.

Cadw also suggested that there would be no significant effect upon the setting of the castle or any diminishing of the enjoyment of those who visit the mediaeval building.

The castle owners informed the planners that there is no electricity in the pavilions, or on the site, but lighting would be by means of lanterns, torches and LED lamps.

Councillor Debbie Blakebrough said that it was a 'really imaginative enterprise' and the planners went on to approve the scheme.