ABERGAVENNY councillors were more concerned over the traffic implications for Morrisons' plans for a new store on the Cattle Market site than the building itself when they discussed the issue recently.

Abergavenny Town Council's planning committee chairman Councillor Norma Watkins said at last week's meeting, "Nothing in this design for the building fills me with glee or any confidence.

"At least they have taken on board our message about the design and improved it, but it's still a square box.

"If we have got to lose the cattle market we need to replace it with something that is good for this town. A square box with a slate roof is not it.

"I am also not happy with the traffic survey, which seems not to have taken into account its impact on the rest of the town.

Councillor Amanda Dell said, "The traffic already backs up in Abergavenny at peak times and this will only add to the gridlocking problems. I suggest that a whole town traffic survey is undertaken to see what solutions are available."

Councillor James Buchanan added, "A good traffic management scheme is in the interest of the supermarket as well as the town's people. The present scheme is not to our satisfaction."

Councillor Paul Wadsworth said that the traffic situation has always been a big issue, even when Asda was showing an interest in the site.

He added, "The current traffic survey must be widened, it appears the consultants have done the minimum in this respect, but on the other hand their proposals are the best we have seen so far to benefit the town.

"The consultants need to widen their survey to include Pen-y-Pound and Market Street."

"Morrisons have shown that they are interested in the well being of the town and we don't want to be pointing a double barrel shot gun at them to get rid of them as we don't want them to get up and go.

"We want them to continue with this application, but they must listen to local opinion."

Councillor Watkins added, "The consultants need to show us a workable traffic solution giving us confidence in helping redesign the local road network."

Councillor Wadsworth pleaded with members, saying "How many ways can we put this - we don't want Morrisons doing a runner."

Despite the discussions council opinion on the issue was split.

Taking a central line Councillor Buchanan said, "I suggest we approve this application but with strong conditions," while Councillor Amanda Dell voiced the opposite opinion saying, "As a local person we should strongly refuse because of the incomplete traffic impact study."

As part of the planning consultation process, the Abergavenny councillors recommended that Monmouthshire's planning committee refuse the application citing their concerns over traffic issues and not the building design itself.

The town council's findings will be forwarded to Monmouthshire County Council planners, who will ultimately decide on the outcome of application within the next few weeks