PLANS to convert the former Millsteel Fabrications site in Monmouth Road Abergavenny, into a high quality specialist accommodation for older people have been submitted to Monmouthshire County Council.

Speaking to the Abergavenny?Chronicle developers McCarthy and Stone said that the application had been made following 'extensive consultation' with the local community and groups including Abergavenny Town Council, Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and the Civic Society.

"In its current dilapidated state the site stands as an eyestore on prominent approach into Abergavenny and it is McCarthy and Stone's aim to enhance the appearance of the site by replacing the existing run down building with a sensitive redevelopment of much needed retirement apartments," said a spokesman for the Bournemouth based company.

He added that the company had felt it was important that the development should be shaped by community feedback and responded to the character of the local area.

"To achieve this we held meetings with neighbouring residents and local representatives alongside inviting more than 600 people to a public exhibition held at the Priory Centre at St Mary's Church, earlier this year.

"We then carefully reviewed all the feedback to understand what people liked about the scheme and where any concerns lay.

"We were encouraged with the feedback received with over 86 per cent of people supporting the scheme in principle with many positive comments about the suitable location and from people keen to see the redevelopment of what they described as an eyesore," he said.

Among the concerns raised during the consultation period were a number highlighting concerns that the proximity of the bus station could cause potential problems for residents of the new development, especially those caused by 'the culture of boy racers operating in the area' and the dangers from bus traffic and its related noise.

However 'extensive' noise surveys on the site showed that there were no disruptive noise levels to prevent residential although the plans do feature 'appropriate acoustic glazing' while it was anticipated that residential use and 'appropriate surveillance' would have an impact on anti social behaviour.

While some residents expressed concerns about ensuring that any development was in keeping with the character of the area, the developers were at lengths to point out that the plans proposed an attractive design which positively contributes to the local street scene and 'respects the context of the Priory Church'.

"In its current dilapidated state the site stands as an eyesore on a prominent approach into Abergavenny and detracts from the character of the town's conservation area," said a spokesman.

Following McCarthy and Stone's discussions with the local community plans have now been submitted to Monmouthshire County Council and will be determined by the authority in the coming months.