Cattle market scheme approved

4th October 2007

The proposals to bring forward a new scheme for the Abergavenny cattle market site which were put forward by the cabinet of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) have now been approved by the boards of both Asda and Henry Boot, who will now inform the Welsh Assembly that they wish to withdraw the planning appeal for the previous application.

This now opens the way to the competition to find the best design for the site.  A panel will be invited to choose the architect to work on the new application.  Before making their final choice, the shortlisted architects will be invited to submit concept designs which will be on public exhibition.  Comments will be invited at the exhibition and these will be relayed to the panel before they make their choice.

Steve Greenslade, Project Director, said:

“Since the beginning of this process to bring forward a new design, we have insisted that the final decision would be made by a panel onto which we would invite representatives from the community. The process should be open, fair and must include an opportunity for any person or group who wished to put forward their views to do so.”

He added:

“This promise will now be delivered.”

A spokeswoman for MCC said:

“There has been extensive consultation in recent months by officers and Bob Greenland, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, with individuals and groups in the town.

“The design brief produced by the Bryn-y-Cwm forum was the basis of negotiations with Henry Boot and Asda.  We have posted the two agreed Cabinet reports on our website and we hope people will view them so that they can see for themselves how MCC has not only listened but also acted on their views.”

Bob Greenland, cabinet member and chairman of the project board, said:

“I find it incredible that SAUCE, who endorsed the forum document which was largely written by one of their members, David Haswell, is now moaning about the opportunity for a new design through a competition – a process that they recommended.  Not only that, but it was that document that suggested the option of locating the cinema off-site.  Now none other that Mr. Haswell himself is criticising us for doing just that.

“It seems to me that this pressure group is more intent on a battle with the council rather than focussing on the opportunity that this new application can bring.  We intend to press ahead with this process and will continue to consult everyone who wishes to be involved.  That still includes SAUCE if they want to engage with us. 

“What SAUCE wants is a veto at every stage of the process. That, we are not prepared to do.”