A MAESGLAS club which hosted stars like Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey could be turned into housing and shops if a new plan is given the go ahead.

 

Borley Development have applied for permission to knock down the Ebbw Bridge Club and Institute to make way for 21 flats and two shops.

The plans are currently out for consultation, with the public asked to have their say on whether they’re for or against the proposal.

Newport City Council will consider the request to build 16 one-bedroom flats, 5 two-bedroom flats and two retail units with associated car parking and cycle facilities.

It would take the place of the former Ebbw Bridge Club, three storey building with a large concert hall at the rear as well as bars, games room, lounge, cellar and skittle alley established in Maesglas in 1936 on the main arterial route into Newport from the west.

In their proposal, developers said: “The design ethos was to develop a scheme to take maximum advantage of the site’s position within this sought after residential area.

“The proposal would create an attractive and vibrant sustainable development which would utilise a brownfield site, alleviating the current pressures placed on greenfield sites.”

The proposal added the new flats would be well served by transport links, schools including Duffryn, community centres and religious buildings from various faiths.

A total of 11 car parking spaces would be provided (including 2 disabled spaces) and each flat would comprise an open plan kitchen/lounge/dining room, one or two bedrooms a bathroom and airing cupboard. The first and second floor apartments fronting Old Cardiff Road will each have a private balcony area accessible from the living room.

Newport City Council has been set a target by the Welsh Assembly to determine at least 80 per cent of its applications within eight weeks, so they are hoping to determine the application “as soon as possible”.

People have until September 17 to have their say in the public consultation. Email planning@newport.gov.uk quoting reference 15/1007 with any comments (observations may be posted on the council website).