Plans for soft play centre in Chepstow

Plans to use a former community sports pavilion as a soft play centre have been put forward. 

Applicant Robert Harper has said it would be aimed at children aged up to 12-years-old and their parents and carers to “provide affordable indoor leisure and recreational facilities” along with a cafe. 

The application, to Monmouthshire County Council’s planning department, is seeking change of use permission for the former Thornwell Pavilion in Tenby Lane, Thornwell, Chepstow. 

Mr Harper’s application states: “The softplay will be called DragonZone playing on the Welsh dragon heritage.” 

It is anticipated the centre which will feature ball pits, slides and climbing frames will employ one full-time and two part-time staff members and the pavilion is described as no longer used by a local football club leaving it vacant. 

Proposed opening hours are 9am to 5pm five days a week and a statement claims the use will not generate noise beyond “what is typical for a community sports pavilion” and all activity will be contained within the building, with no amplified music or outdoor play proposed. 

Only internal alterations to the building are planned including installation of soft play equipment on a “non-invasive ply board base”, minor upgrades to the existing kitchen, some redecoration and installation of CCTV cameras. 

The council’s rights of way officer has said a public path runs between the pavilion and the football pitch but it has no objection to the plans while a member of the public has told the council: “This would be an asset to Thornwell and Chepstow, very exciting!” 

The application is being considered by the planning department and a members of the public have until Thursday, April 23 to comment on the proposal.