PLANS to demolish and relocate a historic grade II listed building in Magor have been fiercely debated at a public inquiry.

The Welsh Government is planning to knock down Woodland House, known locally as Magor vicarage, if the proposed M4 relief road gets the go-ahead.

At a public inquiry at the Lysaght Institute, Newport, yesterday, supporters and opponents of the plans outlined their arguments.

Nick Rawlings, the first witness called by the Welsh Government, discussed plans to relocate the historic building.

He told the inquiry demolition of the building would have an impact of “major magnitude”, but that if it could be successfully relocated, the effect could be minor.

Working with Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Mr Rawlings explained that a “preferred site” of relocation had been identified, though he stressed nothing had been finalised.

He said the preferred site, around 280 metres from the proposed relief road, was in a field in Knollbury, around one kilometre from the current location.

The land, owned by MCC, is around 0.45 hectares, the same as the current Woodland House.

The house would be rebuilt using the same materials to maintain its historic nature, the inquiry also heard.

When questioned, Mr Rawlings confirmed building on the preferred site would be in breach of planning principles, but that it was recognised these were “exceptional circumstances.”

John Davies, a planning consultant, said he concluded that the social and economic benefits of the relief road outweighed the loss of the building and justified the circumstances as “exceptional.”

Amy Longford, heritage manager at MCC, said the council accepted the demolition was “unavoidable”, if the M4 relief road was approved.

But she said the “sole justification” for its demolition was the M4 relief road’s approval.

Objector Mike Smith said the demolition was not necessary, and under alternative “green route” would not take place.

Monmouthshire councillor Frances Taylor raised concerns about information for the plans not being readily available to the public.

Morag Ellis, representing the Welsh Government, said proper processes had been followed.