A PRO-PALESTINE demonstrator shouted “shame” when councillors approved an extension to an arms factory in the countryside.

BAE Systems wanted approval for a new munitions building, and blast mounds, at its Glascoed site near Usk, which has operated since 1938.

Protestors have staged several demonstrations at the site, and others owned by the firm, over arms sales to Israel.

The firm has previously said it operates under tight regulations and complies with defence export controls, that are subject to ongoing assessments, while it hopes “the parties involved (in the Middle East) find a way to end the violence as soon as possible”.

Its application for the 2,000sqm building on vacant land within its site was recommended for approval by Monmouthshire Council’s planning officers.

But it had to go before the planning committee as objections from more than five households had been received.

Unusually, no members asked questions or commented on the application, and following a vote chairman, Caerwent member Phil Murphy, announced it had been approved by seven votes to one with two abstentions.

At that point a voice from the public gallery in the the County Hall chamber in Usk, shouted: “Shame”.

Cllr Murphy said he would suspend the meeting if the gallery wasn’t cleared, and told the demonstrator“ we will have to call the police and ask you be removed,” if he didn’t leave.

The man said he was leaving, but told councillors: “You’re not concerned about the impact on Palestinian children are you? Shameful.”

He also acknowledged the vote against the application.

Planning officer Andrew Jones had said that while “objections on moral and ethical grounds” had been noted, for “planning purposes”, the factory has an established use and there was no change in permission being sought.

Mr Jones said there were also concerns about safety on the site – where an explosion in April, so far unexplained, is being investigated by the HSE – but it was licensed and approved and the planning process shouldn’t “duplicate” regulations.

The proposal, and construction, would have an impact on highways, but Mr Jones said there was no objection from the highways officer, and a construction management traffic plan would be in place as a condition, while the blast mounds, from earth on site, would deliver an ecologocial enhancement.