A NEW six-story office and education building could be built above a Newport pub if a planning application gets the go-ahead.

The application by developers SDG (Newport) Ltd seeks permission to construct the new building above the John Wallace Linton at the corner of Cambrian Road and Queensway.

The plans are the latest stage of the redevelopment of the Cambrian Centre in centre of the city, which has already seen the new Admiral building and a number of shops built.

The plans, which will be discussed by a meeting of Newport City Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, July 6, also involve demolishing the existing façade of the Wetherspoon’s-owned pub, to be replaced by a new frontage tying in with the design of the new building.

In a response to the application the council’s historic building conservation officer Joe Hotson said he was concerned about the size of the proposed building.

“When viewed in the context of Cambrian Road, the proposed building seems excessive in scale and is likely to dominate,” he said.

“However, effort has been made to provide an elevational treatment which respects the rhythm of the street, providing a richness of architectural detail and a sense of proportion which respects nearby historic buildings.

“Given the poor quality of the existing building on the site and these mitigating factors, I would consider that the impact on the adjacent conservation area and the setting of nearby listed buildings will be moderate, but still adverse.

“However, this impact seems likely to be outweighed by the positive benefits of the scheme.”

The application is recommended for approval by the council’s planning department.