A LIMOUSINE and vehicle hire business in Caldicot was given permission to continue despite many objections from neighbours about noise pollution.

One resident told Monmouthshire council drivers from the 'Limo People', who operate from a unit on Symondscliff Way, were talking loudly and music was played at any time during the night.

Another said the noise was "unbearable" when staff return to refuel their vehicles, while a third said drivers turn up at anti-social hours from their jobs in Wales and the South West.

Richard Parker submitted the retrospective application following a complaint to the council's planning enforcement team about the change of use of the industrial unit, which previously housed a car rental company.

The current occupier took over eight years ago.

Monmouthshire council's planning committee members heard some of the noise was being caused by an LPG fuel tank, but that had now been replaced at a cost of £5,000.

Local councillor Pauline Watts said the application should be approved as it's a working area and the nearby houses are a fair distance away.

A report which went before councillors said the applicant submitted a management scheme to alleviate noise and light pollution including a number of rules drivers are to adhere to.

Cllr Peter Clarke said the "phenomenal" noise can come from limousines.

"If they come back with their sound systems blaring we are going to have more problems," he said.

Councillors opted to approve the plans, with conditions, which says there will be no movement of vehicles to the site after 11pm or before 7am each day, including Bank Holidays.

Refuelling times for vehicles are also restricted and noise mitigation measures must be submitted for the LPG fuel pump.