AN AMENDED scheme to redevelop an Abergavenny site has been submitted to local planners for consideration.

The original plan to transform the redundant Mill Steel Fabrications into a space for 45 later living retirement apartments was submitted to the Monmouthshire Planning Authority by McCarthy & Stone in May 2012 after consulting with the local community and local representatives.

McCarthy & Stone received overwhelming support for their initial proposals with over 86 percent of the feedback supporting the proposals in principle.

Despite no formal marketing having taken place, McCarthy & Stone had also received 142 enquiries from local people interested in purchasing one of the proposed apartments.

However the developer's initial planning application was deferred at the Council's December 2012 planning committee as members felt the design was 'bland' and that the building was 'too large' and constituted an overdevelopment of the area.

George Ashworth, Monmouthshire's head of planning told members at that meeting, "The computerised imagery used in the building's design makes it look ultimately very bland and it is not in keeping with the surroundings."

Councillor Giles Howard said, "I'm all in favour of the development of the site in principle, but we do need assurances over its designs," while Councillor David Dovey suggested, "We want a design that we can be proud of."

McCarthy & Stone has now submitted revised proposals to Monmouthshire Council following discussions with the authority's planning officers.

The main changes to the scheme include a reduction in the number of later living apartments from 45 to 38, a significant reduction in scale, height and massing of the proposed development; which in turn will increase the amount of amenity space and planting on site as well as an increase in the number of car parking spaces provided.

A spokesperson for McCarthy & Stone commented: "We remain committed to transforming this neglected site and following discussions with Monmouthshire planning officers and after listening to feedback from councillors we have now submitted a revised planning application to the council which is deliverable and addresses councillor and planning officer comments.

"At their heart the amended plans still seek to transform the dilapidated site with a quality development that builds on the locally distinctive features of the town.

"However, this time round we have reduced the number of apartments and significantly reduced the scale, height and massing of the building.

"This has allowed us to introduce more attractive amenity space and planting, which will ensure an attractive setting next to the parklands.

"The gap between the proposed linked buildings has also been increased to enhance the sense of openness and to sensitively frame St. Mary's Priory Church.

"We have also increased the car parking provision proposed and the ratio of car parking spaces per apartment.

"This is an exciting opportunity to finally end the uncertain future of the dilapidated industrial buildings and we hope residents like the revised plans."

• A public inquiry is due to be held on Wednesday, July 10 over McCarthy & Stone's original application after the developer appealed against Monmouthshire County Council's decision in December.