Monmouthshire Council’s cabinet has today approved the use of an Outdoor Education Centre as a temporary hostel for the homeless despite opposition from local residents.

Approval for the temporary use of Gilwern OEC outside Abergavenny means the site can be used for homeless people until August 21 2020.

Local residents say they only found out about the proposal via an online news outlet last Tuesday.

Jonathan Crawley, who represents the Residents Association at Crawshay Bailey Close next door to the centre said the approval decision is ’entirely predictable’.

After hearing of the decision Mr Crawley said: ’’There was no consultation of residents.

’’I have heard from staff who told me that physical preparations for the arrival of residents at the OEC have been ongoing for two weeks.

’’I believe MCC informed Brecon Beacons Planning Authority that they have granted themselves change of use planning permission, two weeks ago. They used Covid-19 legislation, citing a local ’emergency’, thus avoiding all of the usual checks and balances. Brecon Beacons could do nothing to stop it, even if they wanted to.

’’The result of the MCC cabinet vote is entirely predictable.’’

A full report of the cabinet meeting will be published tomorrow.