DEVELOPERS for the controversial cattle market site have appealed against MCC's decision to scrap their application.
Henry Boot Ltd announced this week that they will appeal the refusal of their Asda redevelopment despite attempts by council chiefs to find an alternative application.
The regeneration included the store, which would be the smallest Asda in Wales, two retail units, a new public library, a two-screen cinema, 34 residential units and 373 car parking spaces.
The development was lodged in December 2006 and caused uproar among some traders, tourism associations, Friends of the Earth and visitors.
Opposition groups were formed including Save Abergavenny's Unique Character and Environment (SAUCE) and almost 3,000 letters opposing the development were sent to MCC headquarters.
However, through numerous public consultations, there were positive feelings about the development with some saying it would bring visitors to the town and generate more tourism.
Chairman of the Abergavenny Project Board, councillor Bob Greenland said: "Henry Boot have agreed to consider an alternative application if there is likely to be majority support among people in the town.
"From recent meetings I have had with individuals and groups I believe that we may be able to show the necessary support but clearly we are not there yet.
"I understand the reasons for Henry Boot needing to lodge an appeal buy we will continue to work with them and hope an alternative planning application may yet come forward."
SAUCE say they will remain sceptical until the Welsh Assembly Government receive a receipt of the appeal.
The group believe the appeal would be unsuccessful: "The planning committee's five grounds for refusal were overwhelming and supported by MCC's own policies, critical reports from its own conservation officer and Gwent Police.
"Henry Boot would be faced with evidence by the Design Commission for Wales, which rejected the scheme as totally unacceptable and called for complete redesign."
The group say they are still concerned about the size of the development, amount of parking, non- food retail, partial conversion of the abattoir complex and the effect on the town with regards to traffic congestion.
A spokesman from SAUCE said: "The council is desperate to find the money for their oversized new market at Raglan. It is time to stop playing games with Abergavenny's future and answer some of the crucial questions.
"If they cannot then SAUCE and many others will look forward to the threatened planning inquiry with relish."