TWO detached homes can be built on either side of a former farmhouse close to 1970s-built homes, despite objections of 'over-development' and over access.

Applicant Caroline Hawkins asked Monmouthshire Council for planning permission to build the homes within the grounds of Crossways Farm at Kingsmark Lane, Chepstow.

Five objections were received from neighbours over access, but planning officers said the proposed route via Wintour Close was acceptable.

Chepstow councillor Dale Rooke also said he was concerned it was an “over development” of the site, and that a third house was being “shoe horned in”.

But planning officer Phil Thomas told the planning committee: “It’s an old farmhouse and it may have once been in splendid isolation but it certainly isn’t now, it is in suburban Chepstow.”

The plans were in line with the council’s policy on “in-fill” developments where new homes are built on existing sites, he added.

In response to Cllr Emma Bryn, who asked if a condition could be used to control any paving of the back garden, Mr Thomas said regulations only allow conditions on front gardens, but he expects the Welsh Government will address that in the future.

Mr Thomas also said 10 new trees, including silver birch, rowan and hawthorn, would be planted on site, although due to its size the council’s usual three to one replanting ratio couldn’t be achieved. Some existing trees will be retained.

The one house will have four bedrooms and the other will be slightly smaller with three bedrooms while a single storey extension to the existing house will be demolished to allow for access.

The new houses will be finished in natural stone and brick with natural slate on the roof.

Ms Hawkins will also pay a £15,380 affordable housing contribution.