PLANS for a new footbridge across the River Usk between Abergavenny and Llanfoist have been recommended for approval.

Cyclists and pedestrians would be able to use the proposed bridge, which will span more than 60 metres across the river.

A three-metre wide combined footpath and cycleway will link with surrounding walking and cycling routes, which will also be improved.

Monmouthshire County Council wants the bridge to provide a safe link between the two communities while encouraging residents to walk or cycle instead of driving over the nearby Abergavenny Bridge.

The Grade II listed bridge is deemed unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists due to the volume of traffic using the A4143, combined with a narrow footway.

The Welsh Government has invested £864,000 from its active travel grant fund to pay towards the shared-use scheme.

READ MORE: £1.2m for three active travel schemes in Gwent

A council report says: “This development will create better and safer connectivity between the communities in Abergavenny and Llanfoist, and will support council policies, as well as the Welsh Government Active Travel Act 2013, by promoting healthier lifestyles and increased physical activity.”

But the proposals have split opinion, with the planning application receiving numerous letters of support and objection.

Natural Resources Wales raised ‘significant’ concerns around flood risk, but the council say they are awaiting further comments from the environment quango after new information was submitted.

The issue of flooding has been raised by residents of Bridge Cottages in Llanfoist, with objectors also saying the bridge would invade their privacy and disturb views across the River Usk.

Another resident claimed there was no history of an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Abergavenny Bridge in the time they had lived there.

But other residents have described the bridge as being “long overdue”, describing the existing crossing as “hostile and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists”.

The application has also received the backing of both Abergavenny and Llanfoist community councils.

Members of the planning committee will meet on October 2 to discuss the application, with officers recommending that planning permission is granted.