A DEVELOPMENT which promises to bring 400 new jobs to Abergavenny could go before planners next week.

The planning application for Westgate Garage and Grove Farm site, in Llanfoist, is expected to be decided next Tuesday.

George Ashworth, head of planning at Monmouthshire county council, says he is working on a report to go to the planning committee, and it could be ready by next week's meeting.

The application has been made by Drawbridge Securities Ltd, and includes a 25,000 sq ft Homebase DIY store fronting Merthyr Road, with two car showrooms, six units for trade use and a courtyard office and hi-tech development at the back of the site.

The site has been designated for employment purposes in the Monmouth Borough Local Plan and the Unitary Development Plan drawn up more recently by Monmouthshire county council.

The applicant's agent, Alistair Grills, said they have already completed a traffic impact study which takes into account the dualling of the Heads of the Valleys Road, and a retail impact study on the effect on Abergavenny town centre.

Johnsey Estates have also submitted the first phase of their redevelopment plans for the Coopers' 16-acre factory site in Llanfoist, and this includes a 4,500 sq metre DIY store, which would be very much bigger than the Homebase scheme.

The scheme is for 40 per cent of the 16-acre site, said architect Hugh Williamson.

Johnsey Estates officially takes over ownership of the site this week from the Italian company, Sogefi, which has relocated its workforce to new premises in Tredegar.

The outline plans are for a DIY store and garden centre covering 4,500 sq metres, and a fast-food restaurant and drive-through facility.