Councillors have backed plans to build 178 new homes in Glan Llyn, despite flood concerns.
The application for the development was brought to Newport City Council’s planning committee following a request from Councillor Martyn Kellaway, who represents the Llanwern ward.
The new homes are part of the redevelopment of the former Llanwern Steelworks.
In a planning committee meeting held on Wednesday, October 6, Cllr Trevor Watkins asked: “Why are we still developing on a flood plain?”
Outline planning permission was granted to developers St Modwen to redevelop the area in 2010.
In December 2020, Llanwern was flooded following heavy rain for a number of weeks, which put pressure on the sewer system.
To tackle the issue, a ditch is being dug along the northern boundary of Glan Llyn, which will drain to a balance pond called Monks Lake.
The water will then be pumped to the ditch.
Currently the drainage system is via the historic British Steel, which has been draining the site since the 1960s.
Planning officers have deemed this system, and the new ditch, as adequate for drainage.
Out of the 178 homes, 18 will be classed as affordable, while the rest will be sold on the open market. Four play areas will also be built.
The council’s highways department originally objected because the development’s 456 parking spaces fell short of the 513 spaces that was deemed necessary planning policy.
Planners said less parking spaces could be allowed because the area had public transport links.
The site is subject to railway noise from the north caused by the Tata Service Lines.
The report said the issue could be solved by the installation of suitable glazing and mechanical ventilation on the affected facades.
