MONMOUTHSHIRE councillors approved a decision yesterday to demolish 25 garages for affordable housing in Caldicot.

Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) owns the land which currently has 13 single storey garages at Cae Mawr Grove and another 12 off Green Lane in Caldicot. They were granted planning permission by Monmouthshire’s planning committee to knock down the garages to make way for a two-bedroom bungalow in Cae Mawr Grove and for four one-bedroom flats off Green Lane.

Cllr Maria Stevens, of Caldicot Town Council, was speaking on behalf of the town council who was against both applications. The council raised concerns on parking issues and the lack of plans for amenity areas for children.

She said: “A lot of households have two cars - where will they all park probably not in Caldicot as we will have no space.” She also said Cae Mawr Grove was situated in a narrow cul-de-sac and raised concerns on the access to the Scouts hut but the committee heard that the pedestrian access to the site would stay the same.

Steffan Harris, a planning consultant speaking on behalf of Monmouthshire Housing Association, said: “The housing need is 476. This application will therefore help the housing need.

“Monmouthshire Housing Association owns the site and has a duty to provide housing.” There were no objections from the highways department to either application.

Mr Harris said the bungalow at Cae Mawr Grove would provide a development with wheelchair access which was much needed in the area. He said only five cars are currently using the garages on Cae Mawr Grove for parking, with just two of the 12 garages at Green Lane used for parking.

Cllr Jim Higginson, member for Severn ward, said the garages were an ‘eyesore.’

Cllr Phil Murphy, member for Caerwent, said: "They are in a terrible condition and are quite unsightly. There is a problem with regard to onsite parking there.”