Maindee church could become apartment for over-55s under new plans

A planning application for 14 flats in Maindee which would see a church demolished is set to be given the go-ahead at a council meeting next week.Derwen Cymru has submitted an application to Newport City Council for the demolition of St Matthew’s Church and for the construction of 14 affordable apartments for over 55s on its place.The report outlines that the existing church is no longer open for worship and that the applicant says that it has fallen into disrepair. The report also said that the redevelopment of the site, on Church Road, is “acceptable in principle” and that the proposed properties address a clearly identified need for affordable housing in Maindee.There are said to currently be 362 affordable housing applications for either single people or couples over the age of 55 specifically requesting the Maindee area and, at present, the proposals are the only opportunity to address this need in the area.In a letter to the council, Mohammad Asghar AM, whose constituency office is on the same road, said that he is “deeply concerned” about the proposals though.