CONTROVERSIAL proposals to convert a 1950s building in Chepstow into a riverside apartment complex have been unveiled.

Local businessman Peter Mills wants to create 18 flats and car parking alongside the River Wye by converting the existing Furniture Smart warehouse and shop, which he owns.

The proposal is part of a plan to regenerate the historic riverside area of the town, where pubs and heavy industry sit side-by-side.

However, the designs have come under fire from Chepstow town councillors, who say they do nothing to reflect the surrounding architecture and the heritage of The Back, the site of the proposed development.

"That whole area is steeped in history, for example it was the site of a busy port, and where the Chartists were deported to Australia," said councillor David Dovey, a retired businessman.

"It's one of the great redevelopment opportunities in Chepstow, but the proposed conversion would look like a coffee maker on a large scale - it's totally, totally wrong."

Councillor Ned Heywood, who represents the St Mary's ward, where the warehouse is situated, said the town council's planning committee decided the conversion was "out of keeping with the area".

"We think it's a good location for flats but the plans were not sympathetic enough to the environment and surrounding architecture," he said.

"It would be fine for Bristol Docks, not Chepstow riverside."

Objections have also been raised by the Chepstow Society, whose local history trail runs along The Back.

The proposals will go before Monmouthshire council planners on February 22 following a site visit by committee members.