PLANNING permission to convert Newport's former passport office into more than 60 apartments has been granted.

Built in the 1960s, the 90,000 sq ft Olympia House on Upper Dock Street is a nine-storey building, which is made up of 13 retail units with six floors of office accommodation above.

Having lay vacant since April, 2013, the offices will now be used for 31 one-bedroom apartments and 31 two-bedroom apartments following the successful application by The Tonstate Group.

A fire escape on Skinner Street will be demolished as part of the development; new aluminium windows will be installed on floors three and four; and the roof will be made accessible for tenants in one of the city's largest buildings.

Outlining the reasoning, planning officer Stephen Williams told Newport council’s planning committee, said: “The offices remain vacant so we’ve got to consider our policies on employment and protecting employment land.

“However, Newport has got an oversupply of office space. Floors three – eight have remained vacant since the premises were vacated in April, 2013 and, since then, marketing has proved unsuccessful.”

Stow Hill councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi said he was “not happy” with the development, as he believed tenants would be commuting outside of the city centre to work.

He said: “I think with this particular building, it’s almost like saying we’ve given up on getting employment here.

“We’re providing places and housing in the city centre but they need work.

“We need work in Newport and I don’t think we should give up on going from employment to residential because a job is tough.”

Rogerstone Chris Evans argued that although there would be no affordable housing option, the development could help boost footfall at Newport Market.

He said: “We need people living and working in the city centre and this will provide lifeblood for people to pop to the market to get a bottle of milk, to get their steak, to get their fruit and veg. This will provide lifeblood to our local traders.”

Pill councillor, Omar Ali, echoed these sentiments: “If that’s going to bring this building back into use, I would be minded to support it.

“If nothing else, it’s footfall for Friars Walk and brings that vibrancy back into the city centre.”

Allt-yr-yn councillor David Fouweather pointed out the lack of parking on offer, fearing it could lead to cars parking on double yellow lines, but said he would back it.

He said: “I’ve to say that sometimes you have to take a chance and I would be minded to support it.”

The development was granted by a count of eight votes to three by the planning committee today.