PLANS for a controversial Abergavenny skate park in Lower Meadow have been given the go-ahead despite a protest containing 585 signatures.

Monmouthshire council's planning committee approved the 383 square metre skate park yesterday.

The park will be just 50 metres away from the closest property on neighbouring Wellfield Close.

Councillor Rob Griffiths argued that this was too close and voiced a number of concerns to the committee on behalf of the local residents.

Among these concerns were the noise levels the skateboarders will create, the visual impact of the park and the glare of its floodlights in the evening, as well as the fear the park will increase anti-social behaviour in the area.

Mr Griffiths cited the council's Noise impact report which said no skate park is built within 100 metres of residential properties.

But Development control manager for Monmouthshire council, David Swanson argued that methods to control noise levels had been considered.

The plan was passed subject to conditions that a 3.5 metre acoustic fence to help buffer the noise from the park had to be in place before the facility was opened, and the park will shut from 9pm to 8am, which means the floodlights will not be lit during that time.

The report said that the perceived fears of skate parks leading to anti-social behaviour cannot be justified.

Around a dozen residents attended the meeting and many were angered by the approval.

Ronald Carter, 74, of Wellfield Close said: "It's the noise that is the problem, it will completely disrupt my lifestyle - it's quite quiet round there at the moment."

John Williams, 82, of Pen-y-Pound added: "All the fencing is going to spoil the appearance of the area.

"I'm not against the youngsters having a skate park, but this is not a suitable location."