A new Co-op neighbourhood convenience store will soon be built on the site of the poultry unit on Rockfield Road if county planners accept the recommendation put forward by town planners at Monday's meeting (27th October).

As well as a 4,000 sq ft food and consumable store, there will be three other units, suitable for small retail or commercial operators, and parking for up to 34 cars.

The proposal will initially create 24 jobs and a further 15 when the commercial units are let.

Speaking in favour of the proposal, Councillor Graham Pritchard said that many of the people he had spoken to were positive about the planning application as it will save travelling into the town centre for groceries and will lessen congestion and car-parking problems.

With 700 houses on the Rockfield Estate and 250 on the Brook Estate, Cllr Pritchard claimed this store would have no detrimental affect on the area.

There were some concerns however by local residents who commented online and feared a rise in noise, pollution and traffic.

The plan was recommended for appproval by seven votes to three, with one abstention and the plan will now go before Monmouthsire County Council's Planning Committee for a final decision.