Agenda item

The minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd November 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record.

In doing so, the following points were noted:

Dixton Housing & Monmouthshire RLDP delay

The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) received an update on the delay to the Monmouthshire Local Development Plan (LDP) and the new timetable following its submission to the Welsh Government’s Planning Inspectorate in November 2026. A draft hearing programme has now been published, confirming that hearings will take place online over a four?week period from mid?June to mid?July, with one week of no sessions. Key documents are accessible on the RLDP examination webpage. The Council will receive the Inspector’s questions on 5 May 2026, and all responses must be submitted by 2^nd June 2026. The JAC intends to make a formal submission reiterating its objection to the Dixton Road Site. The Chair will sign off the final response, due before the next meeting.

Discussion followed regarding the limited alternative housing sites around Monmouth. Some JAC members noted that, due to flooding risks at the Wyesham / Wonastow Road area and other local constraints, the choice may effectively be between Dixton Road and Wonastow Road. It was noted that the Inspector will not consider alternative sites and is restricted to evaluating the proposed allocations on issues such as deliverability and policy compliance. The impact of phosphate constraints was highlighted, which has halted development in the north of the County.

The primary concerns for the Joint Advisory Committee’s response will relate to landscape and visual impact, character, and housing density. Further evidence, including landscape and heritage assessments, will be reviewed before finalising the submission. It was noted that although the approval of the site could set a precedent, each planning application must still be judged on its individual merits. Monmouthshire officers added that, at the application stage, strict green infrastructure and landscape policies would apply, requiring more detailed assessments and mitigation strategies.

The Chair emphasised the intention to submit the strongest possible objection, addressing landscape protection, biodiversity duties including bat habitats, and all relevant planning concerns. The draft response will be shared with JAC members before submission.

Wyesham A466 Wye Valley Walk Footway

The discussion centred on long?standing safety concerns along the Wye Valley Walk near Redbrook, particularly where pedestrians are forced into the highway immediately after a traffic chicane. It was noted that this stretch is extremely dangerous, with vehicles accelerating after the 30mph zone and having to negotiate the chicane while encountering walkers, often with dogs or in groups. Several near?misses have been observed, prompting frustration that despite raising the problem for over a year, Monmouthshire Highways has not provided any substantive response.

It was noted that a letter had been sent to Monmouthshire Highways raising three questions: whether any works were planned this year or next; what would be needed to draw up improvement plans; and whether there was interest in cost?sharing with the Wye Valley National Landscape Team. No reply has yet been received, which may reflect pressures on the Highways service, including more urgent issues elsewhere. A small step forward has been the installation of a “Pedestrians in the Road” warning sign, although it is acknowledged as minimal progress.

Concerns were also raised about the condition of other nearby sections of the Wye Valley Walk. One incident involved a car hitting a tree near the Monmouth Showground, leaving damaged trees requiring work. A report has been commissioned reviewing both this area and the stretch near the sewage works up to the Beaufort Bridge. Potential solutions are being explored, although diversions, such as routing walkers along the Offa’s Dyke Path, would be less direct and physically more demanding.

JAC members discussed the possibility of alternative routes, including land at Lords Grove or using sections of the old railway track that locals already walk informally. However, land ownership is uncertain, andit was noted that parts of the current Wye Valley Walk are Permissive Paths not officially public footpaths. Public Rights of Way officers are working jointly with the Wye Valley National Landscape Team to examine all options, but Monmouthshire Highways’ priorities and limited capacity have slowed progress. It was agreed that a stronger follow?up letter should be sent to Monmouthshire Highways urging action.

JAC Membership Review

The Wye Valley National Landscape Manager provided an update on the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) membership. He welcomed Catherine Hinds, who has joined as the NFU’s nominated representative, and noted that Chloe Rees has also been appointed on behalf of the Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils, although she was unable to attend the meeting. A nomination is still awaited from the Friends of the River Wye, and several further vacancies remain unfilled.

The Wye Valley National Landscape Manager is continuing to work on recruiting members, though many potential nominees are already heavily committed elsewhere, which is slowing progress. It was noted that the Shropshire Hills National Landscape recently used an open recruitment approach, and this may be considered as an alternative way forward if the remaining seats cannot be filled through nominations.