Plans for 50 new homes in Wyesham approved

A development of 50 homes will lead to improved flood protection for existing residents impacted by heavy rainfall, councillors have been told. 

Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee approved an application for 50 affordable homes on fields off Tudor Road in Wyesham, Monmouth.

The homes will be let through Monmouthshire Housing Association, including 30 per cent as “intermediate housing” below market rate but not social housing. 

The sloping site, that is just over two hectares and borders the open countryside in the Wye Valley National Landscape area of natural beauty, had been included in the council’s current development plan as suitable for 35 homes. 

Planning officer Andrew Jones said: “This is a remaining allocated site in our current local development plan and is for around 35 dwellings and this application is for 50 and is now 100 per cent affordable and has some smaller units and that’s why the number is slightly higher and it is considered acceptable in principle.” 

Mr Jones reminded councillors there are currently more than 2,000 households on the council’s housing register and some 300 have expressed a preference for the Monmouth or Wyesham area. 

Mr Jones said the council recognised the “very real and valid” issues raised around flooding and a condition requires detailed flood alleviation plans to be submitted before work can start. The plans will have to protect the development from surface water run off from higher ground and musn’t put other properties or infrastructure at risk. 

Matt Jeffes, the council’s flood risk manager, said “the condidtion has the ‘if’ clause at the end of it”. He said that means if the council isn’t satisfied with the plans or they change the the applicant will have to carry out further investigations. 

Steffan Harris, speaking on behalf of the developers, explained the flood protections proposed as “like a bucket with a small hole at the bottom”. 

He said whatever the capacity of water it would be released at the same rate rather than being uncontrolled at present. 

Ron Barrell, Wysham ward town councillor and chairman of Monmouth Town Council’s planning committee, said it had also raised issues around flooding and surface water but supports the proposal. 

The town councillor said: “I’d like to speak for the people it’s easy to forget the future occupants. If you had a time machine and were to go forward I’m sure they would be in favour.” 

Wyesham’s county councillor Emma Bryn said she was concerned at run off from the Kymin and said: “It is a big issue for residents in Tudor Road, water flows from the hill and through their gardens and in through the back door and out of the front door.” 

Amendments have been made to the plans during the application process. Vehicle access will be from Tudor Road with a new junction and redeveloped spur road and there will also be a footpath from the north of the site to existing housing to the west.