A HOUSING group is hoping to turn a former factory site into a £2.8 million development of affordable homes.

Seren Group has submitted a planning application to Newport council for 26 new houses on the ex-Dudley factory site in Rogerstone’s Tregwilym Road area.

The development will have one, two and three bedroom homes that will either be available to rent or buy through a shared ownership scheme.

Construction is due to start at the end of the year, with the first homes ready to move in in summer next year, subject to the scheme being approved.

Shopfitters S Dudley and Sons Ltd has ceased trading after going into administration in April with the loss of 43 jobs. Labour councillor Chris Evans, of Rogerstone, has welcomed the development in principle, saying there needs to be a full, open consultation on the plan.

He said: “The truth is, hard working families and our children and grandchildren need good affordable homes.

“I’m sure Seren will engage with locals, and this development will be part of Rogerstone’s future.”

Neil Barber, Seren development director, said: “This development is a fantastic opportunity to provide high quality affordable homes, in a much sought after location in Newport.”

Newport council’s planning committee has already approved plans to build almost 1,000 homes on the nearby former Alcan works.

It is hoped decontamination work could start in the summer with house building beginning in April 2014.

Construction will take place over four phases over a ten-to 12-year period.

Newport council will decide on Seren’s planning application in the coming months.