CHEPSTOW residents hoping for a site visit from Welsh Government’s cabinet minister for infrastructure with regards to a contentious homes development will have to wait.

Concerns over the Fairfield Mabey site will not be addressed by Ken Skates AM until the outcome of the planning process is known, Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay has been told.

The Conservative politician had written to the minister over the issue after attending a public meeting at Chepstow Town Council chambers last month.

He has since been told the minster is happy to visit - but not before the planning process is concluded.

Mr Ramsay said: “I asked the minister if the Welsh Government has given consideration to developing a mid to long-term plan for the infrastructure in the town and surrounding area.

“I also asked Mr Skates if he would be willing to meet myself and local residents on site so that we could discuss their concerns.

“However, it seems that as Monmouthshire County Council is still currently involved in the planning process for the development, the minister is not in a position to commit to any plans or works at this time, although he has indicated that he will be happy to meet once the outcome of the planning process is known.”

The plans have been in the local authority’s hands since 2014 but have faced several delays and objections from local councillors and councillors from across the border in Gloucestershire.

The proposed site would house up to 450 homes – scaled back from an initial figure of 600 – and would be accessed from the Station Road junction along the A48.

But residents fear that the issue of congestion on the already-busy road near Tesco will be aggravated if the plans go ahead.

A traffic plan submitted by the applicant, Savills, has estimated that there would only be a traffic increase of four per cent.

But this was described as “nonsense” at the town council meeting by Chepstow deputy mayor, councillor Marc Le Peltier.

Further reservations were also expressed by Mr Ramsay at the meeting about a proposal for the creation of a one-way system which would re-route traffic turning right towards Tesco around the Nelson Street car park.

Speaking at the public meeting last month, he called the plans “unacceptable”, adding: “It seems potty to me. You’re taking traffic off a main trunk road and and putting it on an ancient side street.

Cllr Le Peltier told the Argus that further public meetings are planned.