Councillors at a meeting of MCC’s planning committee have approved ambitious plans to build 47 new retirement apartments on Abergavenny’s old police station and magistrates’ court site on Tudor Street.

Housebuilder McCarthy & Stone now has the green-light to demolish both the old court and the currently in-use police station before building 23 one-bedroom, and 24 two-bedroom apartments for retirees.

Plans also include 39 car parking spaces and five bicycle stations.

Monmouthshire County Councillors pushed the deal through despite opposition from Abergavenny Town Council which had recently questioned apartment designs, suggesting that ‘a more innovative design’ would ‘make better use’ of the Tudor Street site. ?

The town council had also objected to blueprints which it said suggested that ground-floor properties on the north of the site would be below ground-level, leading to ‘poor design resulting in poor accommodation.’

They also objected at the colour scheme of the windows and balconies, and insisted that the colour of the brick to be used was ‘too dark’.

These concerns were later addressed in revised plans submitted to the county council ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, with yellow stock-brick, painted render and hanging slate chosen in a ‘more vibrant design than initially opposed.’??

Councillor Sheila Woodhouse, said she had kept an ‘open mind’ on the issue, and had listened to a number of concerns raised by the town council and others. Councillor Woodhouse reassured that those issues had now been resolved within the new proposals. She also praised the development’s ‘close proximity’ to the town centre, and that local traders would welcome the move. ??

“This is an opportunity to return Tudor Street to a residential area and an opportunity to put people before cars,” she added. ??

Councillor Maureen Powell said she was initially ‘dubious’ but had evolved her position since the revised plans were released.

?“I know a lot of people who are getting older and can’t manage a bigger home. It’s great there are places like this that take those worries away and they are not isolated.”

The 1970s buildings were not considered to ‘make a significant contribution’ to the area’s heritage, so its replacement for residential use was deemed appropriate.

MCC also confirmed that health and environmental reports met requirements.

Councillor Roger Harris said he was ‘not happy’ in certain elements of the design, namely its ‘boxiness.’

“What I am asking for is a deferment, so we can go back and take a look at a much more interesting design. I think we can do better.”

Councillor Harris also lamented the Section 106 agreement sum of £232, 506, given that the original figure was mooted to be £500,000 more. ??

“They should be ashamed to think they don’t have the money to give us the original £700,000-plus pounds. It’s an absolute shame that a developer of this stature deprives people of half a million pounds. I hope they will reconsider that.”

Eight councillors approved the plans, with four against, despite some suggesting that the plans be deferred.

Two objectors penned letters to the county council, concerned that the planned design was ‘out of keeping’ with the local area, whilst another claimed the site would ‘ghettoise’ and isolate the elderly community.

Six people submitted letters in support, with one hailing the ‘one-time opportunity’ to renovate the ‘ugly’ site.

The application was subject to a Section 106 agreement to release £232, 506 towards affordable housing in the local area.

Gwent Police said they are ‘making progress’ toward finding a new home, with Police Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert adding that the force and MCC were in ‘advanced talks’ on the relocation.