Gilwern residents attended a meeting this week to express their frustrations at plans for a 92 house development on green belt land near Lancaster Drive in the village.

A large number of residents attended the Llanelly Community Council meeting on Monday evening to discuss the proposed development by Charles Church East Wales, who previously lead the development of 33 homes in Ty Mawr.

Gilwern Community Councillor, Kay Blackwell, said, "There is no question that this development is going to happen as it has been in the pipeline for years, but what we need to do is have our say on the plans to make it suitable for the area."

Among the issues raised were the lack of good mobile phone networks, the bland and uninspired design of the homes and layout, and the effect on the local wildlife and ecology.

But one concern that resonated with many residents was the proximity of the new dwellings to the existing homes.

One resident said, "A lot of us have downstairs bedrooms, and these houses will be looking directly into our windows, especially from the three storey flats. It's not right that these new buildings will be so close to our properties."

There were also concerns about the local amenities and services that are already at capacity, fearing that many will be required to go elsewhere for things like healthcare and schooling

Mr Keith Wood, from Lancaster Drive said, "The number of properties is ridiculous. The schools are already oversubscribed, and the doctor's surgery is not taking on more patients so what will happen with the huge number of people that will be occupying these homes?"

The issue of the Brecon Beacons Dark Skies Policy is also under scrutiny from residents, who argue that this development will fly in the face of that, and be lit up excessively.

David Ahern of Gilwern, said, "This development would have a substantial impact on the whole valley from Abergavenny through to Crickhowell. and not in line with the light requirements of the awarded status."

Mr Ahern added, "This development would make a substantial change to a small rural area without the infrastructure to support it and should be considered by all parties before allowing it to go ahead."

Jonathan Powell, Chronicle weatherman, who was brought up in Gilwern and whose parents still live in the village said this week that he is setting up a campaign against the development, called STanD (Stand up to the Development) in the hope of fighting the ruining of what he describes as 'one of the most beautiful counties in Wales'.

Jonathan said, "It is a needless development done for profit not necessity, and it will ruin Gilwern. They are destroying what was once a small satellite village and trying to make it into a mini Abergavenny.

This development will cause hell for those who live near it for the next three years, and will stop any chances of anyone selling their house. The beautiful views will be destroyed, and it will just create complete doom and gloom."

Jonathan will be contacting the National Parks and hopes his campaign will raise awareness of this development, that has got many people in Gilwern riled up.

Community Council Chairman, Brian Kemp said the Llanelly Community Council intended to put in an observation to Brecon Beacons National Park, and urged residents to put in their comments regarding the proposal to BBNP and to the community council.

The council also intends to host another public consultation on this issue within the next 10 to 15 days when they have more informed plans, and hope to persuade the developers to attend.