Committee to decide on Newport apartments scheme

Plans to construct two apartments blocks on a commercial site in Newport are set to go before committee.T Hobbs And Webb is seeking permission to erect the buildings to create 43 one and two-bedroom units at Newport Export Packing, Queens Hill.The eastern block would have a stepped height ranging from three to five, to six storeys, within the northern building having a stepped height ranging from three to five storeys. Pedestrian and vehicle access would be from Factory Road.The internal layout would provide 43 car parking spaces, communal amenity space, and visitors cycle parking.Internally, secure cycle storage and refuse storage are located at the lower ground floor. To facilitate the development, diversion of an existing combined sewer is required.Proposed is 51 per cent affordable units with the remaining 49 per cent being private, The application seeks to remove trees to the western boundary which includes a tree subject of a Tree Preservation Order.The proposed layout includes soft landscaping to communal amenity space and to the private gardens facing onto Factory Road.The application will be discussed by Newport City Council’s planning committee next Wednesday (6 March).A report for the committee said: “The proposed development would represent as a form of brownfield development to provide much needed affordable housing to serve the residents of Newport.”The scheme includes private and communal amenity space, off street parking, sustainably located and of benefit to the overall character and appearance of the area. The benefit of the scheme outweigh the concerns relating to the loss of existing trees and increased vehicle movements to the site.”A recommendation has been made to grant planning permission with conditions.