After a six months battle, the owner of the Bridge Inn at Llanfoist has successfully won his appeal for an extension to the rear of the property much to the annoyance of Monmouthshire County Council. Andrew Jenkins was outraged last year, when he was informed that his plans for a extension to create a dining area at the Bridge Inn had been rejected by Monmouthshire County Council and Cadw on the grounds that the buildng would impose on the surrounding conservation area. "The design, form and scale of the proposed extension in this prominent and sensitive location fail to preserve the setting of the Listed bridge and the character of the Conservation Area, contrary to Policies CH1 and CH7 of the Adopted Unitary Development Plan," said MCC?planners. Undaunted Andrew decided to appeal against the decision, confident that the development was appropriate for the location and that his plans stood up to scrutiny. "I was shocked when I was originally refused, and knew I had to do something. I'll admit myself in the past I may have made some mistakes, and when I do I am happy to hold my hands up, but in this case I knew I hadn't. "I had done my research, looked at a series of similar developments in cities and towns. The main aspect was that The Bridge is riverside, so I looked at places along the Thames, and took the best parts of those for the development. "It took a long time, as I wanted it to look good but also be functional. The plan was to maintain the traditional pub in the front, and have a bright dining area within the new extension, with views over the river. "I also wanted the room to have a flat roof so we could have large window. All in all the planning took quite a while, and when we submitted it, I knew it was right." Andrew admits the refusal was almost expected, as during his meeting with MCC's conservation officer, he was continually told of ways to change the design to improve its changes of being accepted. Andrew said, "The officer kept suggesting that I change the design to a pitched roof and a higgledy-piggledy design, to try and blend in with the mix of other buildings. That wasn't functional, wasn't what I had intended, and I was not going to change my plans." So when Andrew received the rejection he stuck to his guns and put in his appeal to have the decision overturned. Luckily for Andrew, this time his design was seen more favourably, and was passed. In a lengthy report the planning inspector wrote, "I do not accept that the extension is too large. It would be a modern addition to a traditional building but I consider that its design and appearance are wholly acceptable within the context of this area. "I therefore conclude, for the reasons explained above, that the extension would not harm the character or appearance of The Bridge Inn or the Conservation Area." Andrew said he was delighted that the planning appeal could see his vision for the pub. "I knew the plans I had would be a great addition to the site, and I am just glad that someone has seen it now. My main concern about all of this is it might deter others from expanding their properties and businesses. A lot of people may have just taken this on the chin and gave up, as appeals can be lengthy and expensive. "I think this is terrible, as it all really seems to come down to personal preference, and this can really influence how a business grows.Our reason for the extension was to create a dining area and expand the pub for a wider clientele and if I had accepted the initial rejection then this may never have been able to happen." "It seems ironic that the proposal for a Premier Inn in Llanfoist seems to have got through the planning process with very little hassle, and a business like mine with a much smaller development can be so quickly and thoughtlessly turned down. "Small businesses are what people come to Llanfoist and Abergavenny for. Our establishment has been used to film several films, we have hosted lots of big names here, and to cut us small but thriving businesses off at the feet while the big-boys can do what they want is not the way to help this town grow." Monmouthshire County Council however is less than happy with the result of the appeal and is sticking to the view that the extension is not appropriate for the its surroundings. A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said, "We are disappointed that the Appeal Inspector disagreed with both ourselves and Cadw - the Government body responsible for conserving and promoting the built heritage in Wales - and approved the extension to the Bridge Inn that our planners had previously rejected. "We believe that the proposed extension is out of character with the area and therefore harmful to the character of the Conservation Area and the setting of the grade II* listed river bridge. "We remain supportive of an extension to the premises for dining facilities, but in a form that is more in keeping with the conservation area and the setting of the Grade II* listed bridge." But this opinion has not put a dampener on Andrew's spirits. Since the application was rejected, the Bridge has now changed hands, with a new couple tending the pub on a day to day basis, but Andrew is still sure that the work will go ahead. Andrew said, "Even though we are no longer looking after the pub now, I do still want to make sure this work happens, and we have five years within the set appeal time limit to complete the work. "I am just glad that the ordeal is now over, and we can move forward."