AN HISTORIC Newport pub, which was once the heart of a bustling jazz and music scene, may be turned into houses.

The Engineers Arms on Albert Terrace in Baneswell once had the longest running jazz band tenancy in Newport and held popular Monday Jazz nights.

However, the pub has suffered from financial problems since the recession and was shut down and reopened several times. It closed for the final time in June 2012.

Now owner of The Engineers, James Norvill, MD at GD Environmental, has requested planning permission to change the use of the building from a pub into terraced housing.

If granted, the planning permission would also see the demolition of rear outbuildings and the erection of a single-storey rear extension.

The pub first opened more than 160 years ago to serve workers excavating the Great Western line tunnel.

Mr Norvill said: "We’re not demolishing it, we are just applying for a change of use. It was a house to begin with and it was then turned into the pub.

"But as a pub it’s just not working. All I’m looking to do is turn it back into houses."

The council is inviting comments on the application until January 17.