A HOUSING development that will see 82 homes built on part of the current South Wales Argus site was backed by planning councillors today.

Newport council’s planning committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission with conditions to Persimmon Homes for the homes to be built at Maesglas.

Committee members were told that the development will help fund improvements to the Argus offices on the remainder of the site.

The scheme will see some buildings demolished, including the disused printing press, with the Argus staff car park reconfigured to have 74 spaces.

Persimmon plans to build 82 dwellings, including 16 two-bed houses, 28 three- and 28 four-bed houses, and ten one-bed apartments and flats.

Daryl Jones, speaking on behalf of the development, said the redevelopment of the site will help to fund the refurbishment of the remaining Argus offices “and allow for ongoing operation”.

Cllr Richard White, for Marshfield, asked who would be responsible for a reen that runs through the site.

Mr Jones told the committee that a private management company, financed by residents, would be responsible. Committee members agreed to add a condition to the planning permission on the matter.

According to a report to the committee, the council has asked for a contribution of £149,171 from the developer to upgrade and maintain an off-site play area at Tredegar Park.