PLANS to convert a Grade II-listed former nursing home which has lain derelict for six years into a glitzy hotel and restaurant have been thrown out.

Newport City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously yesterday, Wednesday, to reject the application by chef brothers Sergio and Pasquale Cinotti for Rothbury House in Stow Park Circle yesterday, Wednesday.

Members heard the impact on traffic and parking, which is already congested in the area, was a concern among people living in the city's Stow Park Circle, which is a conservation area.

Keith Dunn, chairman of the Stow Park Circle Residents Association and the Stow Park Conservation Society, told the meeting that he and his neighbours were strongly against the plans by the Cinotti brothers, owners of Spytty Road Italian eatery Gemelli’s.

“This Grade II-listed building has been used as a business premises before,” he said. “But there is a world of difference between its former use as a nursing home to what the applicant is now proposing.”

He said he and his neighbours were concerned about the impact on traffic and parking, calling it “an accident waiting to happen”.

“With the greatest of respect to all the officers who have produced reports regarding this proposal, we as residents have the best knowledge and understanding of the area in which we live,” he said.

He claimed the quality of life of elderly residents in nearby nursing homes would be impacted, and said he would rather an existing planning permission to convert the building into seven flats went ahead instead.

Labour ward member for Gaer Cllr Debbie Wilcox called the plans “a hodge-podge, mixed bag scheme”.

“We are concerned about the deterioration of Rothbury House,” she said. “It’s crumbling before our eyes, but residents are concerned about a commercial opportunity in a residential conservation area.”

Conservative member for Allt-yr-yn Cllr David Fouweather added: “This kind of development isn’t suitable for a residential area and it needs to be stopped."

The Cinotti brothers had previously said the re-development of the Victorian building would bring “huge financial benefit” to the area and create 32 new jobs.

To view the full plans visit new port.gov.uk and search for application 14/1243.