A MONMOUTH hotel and spa plan has been approved by members of the Monmouthshire council planning committee despite concerns over flooding risks.

Councillors on the planning committee unanimously approved to build the hotel despite a recommendation of refusal from council planning officers.

The applicants, Alchemy Hospitality Management Limited, had requested planning permission for the complex on the Hadnock Road Industrial Estate.

Managing director Jan Kitcher said: "We're absolutely delighted that the council members of the planning committee approved our plans."

It is estimated that the 60-bedroom hotel, with six hotel apartments and a spa, could generate £1.6 million in the local economy, according to the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM).

The development will also produce 300 construction jobs and 154 full-time jobs after construction.

Such prospects have led to the residents largely backing the scheme, with Monmouthshire council receiving 86 letters of support - with 3 letters in opposition - with Monmouth Town Council also backing the plans.

The planning officers' recommendation of refusal centred mainly on flood risks that could arise during the building process.

Natural Resources Wales have previously formally objected to the proposals, stating the proposed development would be "subject to an unacceptable flood risk".

It was also recommended to be rejected on the possibility a one in a 100-year flood of the River Wye would present an "unacceptable level" of risk to visitors and staff.

They also highlighted the fact that there was the access route leading out of the property would also become flooded during a flooding event.

After the officer's presentation, councillors responded with a wave of support for the plans to go ahead.

"There are a couple of issues but that is outweighed by the benefits, which are great not just for my ward but for the whole town and the county as well," said Cllr Liz Hacket Pain.

David Cummings, chairman of the Monmouth and District Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the immense economical benefits the hotel would bring

He said: "The economic case for supporting this application is clear and unequivocal. This is easily the most important commercial development project in living memory."

Cllr David Dovey was also in opposition of the recommendation, saying: "The River Wye floods slowly and there's such a lot of time to evacuate.

"It seems over-cautioned to me in this instance."