A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a new convenience store in Abergavenny which is supported by council officers will be decided next week.

Residents opposed to the plan said they were worried the shop could encourage “undesirables” to loiter nearby.

But Monmouthshire council officers say they support opening a new shop on land next to the former Old Punch House on Nantgavenny Lane in Mardy, because it would give shoppers more choice.

There are nine houses, a farm and three industrial units currently on Nantgavenny Lane. Planning permission has already been given for a further 11 homes.

The officers added that an independent assessment of the area had concluded there is an under supply of convenience stores in that area.

Any impact on the Tesco, Iceland and Aldi supermarkets based in the centre of Abergavenny is expected to be insignificant, they stated in a report that will be seen by members of Monmouthshire council’s planning committee on April 14.

Of 14 residents who have expressed a view on the proposal, 12 are opposed.

Among the complaints, they said the new business, which would be built with a flat metal roof, would restrict light to houses close to it and would cause traffic on Hereford Road and Nantgavenny Lane.

Llantilio Pertholey Community Council also recommended councillors reject the plan.

But two people have supported the application because they think there is insufficient choice for shopping in the area, and that they often resort to driving to Abergavenny’s Waitrose and Aldi stores.

The Abergavenny Civic Society said they felt they were unable to object to the project – but said they would have preferred shops were built at the entrance to the new Deri Farm development.

They did say they were worried about the proposed asymmetrical roof, feeling it would clash with the former New Inn nearby.

Planning officers said the roof is considered acceptable because the building will not be a home and is appropriate for a shop design.