A FLAT above a garage built three years ago can be used as an Air BnB holiday let despite concerns about the impact of traffic on a main road.
Concerns were also raised as there is a public footpath south of the garage which was approved in November 2022 as part of a home extension.
The change of use application, submitted by Julie Haward, went before Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee at the request of Shirenewton councillor Louise Brown.
She raised highway concerns at the possibility of vehicles turning into the private drive leading to Ms Haward’s property, Rosewood, and four other homes having to wait on the A48 at Pwllmeyric Hill.
The Conservative councillor said: “Stopping and waiting to turn in the main road has caused accidents in the past.”
She also said while local residents would be familiar with the junction those visiting on holiday wouldn’t be.
Cllr Brown also said she was concerned as she claimed there is currently a sign stating “Private drive footpath only” at the public right-of-way and said “Walkers might think it is only a footpath.”
Planning officer Andrew Jones said the house is within the village development boundary and the previous permission for the garage had established in principle development is acceptable but the committee would have to consider the impact on neighbouring properties and highway safety.
But he said there was no objection from the rights of way or highways officers and the garage is more than 30 metres from the nearest residential property. He also said the road is on the main bus route but acknowledged the Air BnB would likely be used by people travelling by car.
He described the A48 as a “busy road through the village”.
Conservative councillor for Devauden Rachel Buckler described the A48 as “such a bad road” and said she had concerns over road safety stating: “I feel uncomfortable with it.”
Wyesham independent councillor Emma Bryn said she had noted the right of way when the committee visited the site and asked if the council could put a sign up to warn drivers they should expect walkers.
Mr Jones said an informative could be added to the the planning permission which was approved with 14 councillors voting in favour of granting it and one against.
