CONTROVERSIAL plans for housing next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) could get the green light next week.

An application to build 15 homes on the edge of Devauden has been recommended for approval by Monmouthshire council planners.

Nine of the homes, making up 60 per cent of the development, would be affordable housing.

The plans also include closing off an existing access for vehicles off the B4293 into Well Lane and replacing it with a new link road and junction.

The creation of a community orchard also forms part of the planned development on the site next to the Wye Valley AONB, and near allotments which will be kept.

Devauden Community Council is among those to have objected to the plans.

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It says the proposals provide "insufficient consideration for pedestrians" and that part of the planned site is outside of the Local Development Plan.

Eleven other objections have been lodged by residents.

Concerns include that the development will 'ruin' the rural nature of the village and that it is an inappropriate location for housing.

But supporters call the plans a "well considered and thoughtful development", adding that affordable housing will help people in the area.

A planning report provides assurances the development would not affect neighbouring properties or the wider landscape.

"Indeed, the development would make efficient use of the land whilst making a contribution to improve the housing shortage and providing a community orchard for the village to enjoy," the report adds.

"Despite the omission of a pedestrian footpath along the B4293, the highway proposals are considered to be a positive improvement to the existing arrangements for residents of Well Lane.

"The proposed new access onto the B4293 would improve highway safety given it would be constructed to meet current standards there would be improved pedestrian links for residents on Well Lane and other residents in the village to the allotments."

The plans will be decided by Monmouthshire council's planning committee on Tuesday, with a recommendation for approval.