THE planning consultancy behind a proposed retail development on the outskirts of Monmouth has responded to a number of concerns raised by objectors to the scheme.

Peacock and Smith, acting on behalf of Avenbury Ventures LLP, responded to concerns over proposals to build a Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Marston's public house, Pets at Home store with a veterinary surgery on land off the Dixton Roundabout.

More than 100 individual objections and a 226-named petition by the Gateway to Wales Action Group have been lodged with Monmouthshire council amid fears it will increase traffic and noise on an already heavily-used road, as well as bring litter and harm the vitality of the town.

The headteacher of Monmouth Comprehensive, Vaughan Davies also raised concerns that a drive through restaurant is contrary to the school’s ethos of healthy lifestyles and wellbeing. Governors at Haberdasher’s Agincourt School at Dixton Lane fear it will put parents off sending their children to the school.

In a report to Monmouthshire council’s planning officers, Peacock and Smith argue that there is a strong case for new and improved facilities to cater essentially for the refreshment needs of passing motorists and that McDonald’s, Costa Coffee and Marston’s are still committed to the site.

They say a goods retail store will improve local shopping provision and that shoppers using the new store will be more likely to visit Monmouth town centre that if they were to use bulky goods retail facilities in Newport and Hereford.

It reaffirmed a commitment to maintain the current Costa Coffee shop in the town centre and adds that visitors to the town using the eight cafes are unlikely to divert to a new café at Dixton Road.

In response to concerns of opening a fast food outlet so close to Monmouth Comprehensive, Peacock and Smith said there is no specific directly relevant adopted or draft policy at the national or local level to support giving the health issue significant consideration when making a decision on the application.

In its letter, the firm said: ‘We do not consider that the concerns raised about the link between obesity and proximity of fast food outlets to school constitute an unacceptably high level of harm or risk.’

The developer said the scheme will create 147 jobs whilst redeveloping a vacant site.

The application has yet to be considered by Monmouthshire council’s planning committee.