05-07-2025
Newport High School: plans for new security fence approved
The plans, submitted by M. Legge, propose enclosing a 4.4 square metre area at the front of the school's main reception with 2.4-metre-high green powder-coated weldmesh fencing and double access gates.
The school, which also houses the Active Living Centre, is located on Bettws Lane in the Bettws ward.
The planning application, numbered 25/0270, was considered under a range of policy frameworks, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales (Edition 12) 2024, and the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026.
Thirty-five neighbouring properties were notified of the proposal, with no objections received.
A site notice was also posted on April 18, 2025.
The Landscape Officer observed the potential for a visual impact but did not object due to the small scale of the proposal.
No response was received from Ecology officers.
The application was granted with conditions.
These conditions include that the development must be carried out in accordance with submitted plans, and a scheme for ecological enhancement must be submitted and approved before commencement.
The new fencing is designed to increase security at the school, enclosing a small area at the front of the main reception.
While there was some concern about the visual impact, the school's large building is expected to offset any negative effects.
The application was also assessed for its impact on residential amenity, with no negative effects anticipated due to the lack of direct impact on residential properties.
The proposal was also deemed to have no direct ecological impact.
However, an enhancement scheme, which could include the installation of a bird box, is required as part of the conditions for approval.
