West of England Hotel in Newport to be turned into flats
The ground floor will be turned into a community facility.
The plans, submitted by Mr F. David, were given conditional approval by Newport City Council on June 26.
The scheme has been hailed as a "significant step forward" for urban regeneration in the Pillgwenlly ward.
The West of England Hotel, located at 42 Mill Parade, has been vacant for some time, and the redevelopment aims to breathe new life into the Waterloo Conservation Area.
The plans were initially refused in January due to concerns over tree preservation and refuse storage.
However, these issues have now been resolved to the satisfaction of planning officers.
The redevelopment will also include the reinstatement of 18 off-street parking spaces, new secure cycle storage, outdoor waste and recycling storage, and internal sound insulation between community and residential areas.
The plans also include ecological enhancements as part of green infrastructure commitments.
While there were some concerns from the Highways Officer regarding parking layout and refuse collection logistics, the scheme was deemed acceptable.
The Planning Authority highlighted the site's excellent accessibility and adjacent council car park as mitigating factors.
The Tree Officer and Landscape Architect have confirmed that important street trees will be protected under strict arboricultural supervision.
Principal Heritage and Planning Officers have praised the scheme for safeguarding the historic character of the building.
They said it would contribute positively to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Transporter Bridge.
Natural Resources Wales had no objections to the plans, as the development retains the current vulnerability classification and the upper floor residential units remain above flood risk levels.
Typically, planning contributions are required under Section 106, but these have been waived following a viability assessment.
The development is subject to conditions including detailed window design approvals, secure cycle storage provision, and the installation of electric vehicle charging points for 10 per cent of spaces.
The works are expected to begin following final approvals under Building Regulations and Sustainable Drainage (SAB) if required.
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