Talks call over future of market

The plans would have included a supermarket and car parks

Six community groups, who successfully opposed plans to turn Abergavenny's cattle market into a superstore, have sent a letter to council leaders.

They have demanded that Monmouthshire Council keep the public informed of any future plans for the site. The council have been asked for a response.

The council's planning committee rejected plans for a retail park after thousands of objections were made.

Henry Boot Developers had wanted to build an Asda store on the site.

But a record 3,500 letters of objection were sent to the council from concerned shoppers and traders about the plans.

The town council and the local chamber of trade were also opposed to the redevelopment.

Existing traders voiced their objections to the plans

And Wales' Design Commission had also been critical, saying the scheme was unacceptable and should be radically overhauled.

If approved, the plan would have meant a new Asda supermarket, as well as other shops, a cinema, library and large car parks.

The council had said it would have meant £11m from the developers - money which they said would have benefited the town.

The plan was rejected once before on design grounds, but after the developers submitted an amendment to the plan, Monmouthshire council officials recommended it for approval.

But it was rejected a second time in December.

Six organisations formed a campaign group Sauce (Save Abergavenny's Unique Character and Environment).

They include the local chamber of trade, tourist association, civic society, development forum, as well as environmental groups.

Addressed to Councillor Bob Greenland, the cabinet member responsible for the development, Sauce said it wanted the council to ensure it fully consulted the group on any design brief or proposals for the cattle market.

"We want to have a constructive dialogue with Monmouthshire council and other stakeholders, and we hope Councillor Bob Greenland will give a positive response to our request," said David Brancher from Sauce.

"It is time for a fresh approach based on genuine partnership with an agreed goal."

In December, Henry Boot Developers said it would consider resubmitting an application to develop the site.

Monmouthshire Council have been approached for a response about Sauce's letter.