ABERGAVENNY'S mayor, councillor John Prosser has stressed that the Town Council followed the correct planning process over plans for the former Park Street school.

His words follow after fellow councillor Marion Pearse accused the Town Council of "letting the town down" after they recommended the site for development.

He said, "Planning approval is a quasi judicial process and approval is given where an application ticks all the boxes in accordance with planning rules and guidelines. The Town Council tries to operate within these parameters when passing comment on planning applications.

"Planning consent cannot be refused just because other people or organisations also have plans for the same site. Indeed many planning applications can be submitted for a site at the same time, even if you do not own it! Town Councillors have shown support for the Park Street community initiative in the past and I am sure there will be councillors who will offer support in the future. Their vote was not a vote for or against any other development!

"Councillors made their decision properly on planning grounds. Councillor Pearce was absent from the planning meeting but will be able to submit any objections to the MCC planning committee before they consider the application for outline planning permission.: