Riverside development proposal set to move forward

Plans for a major new development on vacant riverside land in Newport look set to move forward.Newport City Council is seeking permission to develop a site which is located adjacent to the University of South Wales Newport City Campus building on Usk Way.The application seeks outline planning permission for about 11,000 sq ft of flexible floorspace which could have a variety of end uses, including as offices, a hotel, education or leisure.Earlier approved plans for the land, which involved additional phases of development relating to the University campus, were not pursued further and the land has been vacant since at least 2007.As it is surrounded by hoarding on a principle route through the city, planning officers consider it does not contribute positively to the overall character and appearance of the surrounding area.With the opportunity to provide real regeneration benefits to the city centre, the application has been recommended for approval.According to a report to be examined by councillors next week, the scheme would help drive economic adaption and resilience as the city centre needs to divsersify its economy.The approval recommendation is subject to conditions to protect the integrity of the River Usk special area of conservation, and subject to no adverse representation from Natural Resources Wales.