A MONMOUTH hotel and spa - which experts say could drive £1.6 million into the town - looks set to be turned down over flooding concerns.

Alchemy Hospitality Management Limited want outline planning permission for a 60-bedroom hotel, six hotel apartments and a spa on the Hadnock Road Industrial Estate.

But Monmouthshire council has recommended the project is rejected because the possibility a one in a 100-year flood of the nearby River Wye would present “an unacceptable level” of risk to visitors and staff.

Residents have largely backed the scheme, with 86 letters of support being received by Monmouthshire council. Another three were opposed. Monmouth Town Council has also supported the project.

The council’s tourism officer said they “fully support” Alchemy’s project, which they said has the potential to put Monmouth “on the map” in a town that already lacks hotel accommodation.

But a Natural Resources Wales study said the site is “highly vulnerable” to flooding, along with a proposed access route along Hadnock Road.

Industrial units that the development would need to make way are already in a poor state of repair, according to a report.

The county council’s business insight manager, James Woodcock, writes in it that two businesses enquired about using the units in 2014, but because of high business rates it is unlikely any company would want to base themselves there.

The report will be seen by councillors sitting on Monmouthshire council’s planning committee at County Hall, in Usk, on Tuesday.

Gwent Police has warned there would anticipate “greatly increased” vehicle numbers leading to “road safety issues” because of the development.

Gwent Wildlife Trust, meanwhile, has issued a holding objection to the plan over concerns insufficient information on protected species has been submitting.

Also included in the plans are a building to house a heat and power generator and car parking for 280 vehicles.

Under the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM), each bed provided by the project would generate £22,459 over a year, totalling £1.6 million when taken together.

Alchemy’s managing director Jan Kitcher said last year: “We have been very encouraged by the feedback we have received throughout, which suggests there is strong support for the hotel and spa. People have particularly welcomed the significant regeneration and tourism opportunity that the proposal could bring to Monmouth and to Wales.”