NEW plans to build retirement homes in a Monmouthshire village have been met with around 20 objections from residents within weeks of being submitted.

A planning application has been lodged for an active living centre with 18 retirement apartments for people aged 55 and over at a site in Llanfoist, near Abergavenny.

Ikaria Developments says the scheme is designed to suit older people looking to remain active in their retirement.

A swimming pool and gym facilities are included, while the location of the development is said to offer access to a range of leisure activities in the Brecon Beacons National Park such as fishing, horse riding and cycling.

One of the main aims of the development is to create a "close-knit community" to help combat potential loneliness among older people.

"The proposed arrangement of all shared spaces including the entrance lobby, kitchen and lounge, swimming pool and facilities as well as the garden areas are designed to create opportunities for social interaction to foster a strong sense of community," a design and access statement says.

The homes, 17 two-bed apartments and one three-bedroom penthouse apartment, would be built at Greenfields - at the junction of Merthyr Road and Gypsy Lane.

The site is said to offer "breath taking views" and is located at the foot of the Blorenge mountain.

A total of 20 car parking spaces will be provided as well as allocations for bicycle and scooter parking.

A community garden also forms part of the scheme, while a new vehicle access point will be made off Gypsy Lane under the plans.

The scheme would come with a community lounge and a private landscaped courtyard.

An existing home on the site would be demolished to make way for the development.

But the plans have not gone without objections since being submitted to Monmouthshire County Council.

Residents have raised concerns that further development in the area could impact on the village and surroundings.

One objector says Llanfoist has "suffered a massive overdevelopment in recent years", without supporting infrastructure being built.

Others have objected to the type of housing, arguing the area has become "overrun with retirement living" and that homes for younger people are needed.

Concerns over the impact on traffic and the designs of the development have also been expressed.