A CALL for part of the University of South Wales’ former Caerleon Campus to be listed to protect it from development has won widespread support.

Yesterday the Argus reported the Welsh Government’s economy secretary Ken Skates had called on Wales’ historic environment service Cadw to grant the 104-year-old former Training College building at the centre of the campus, as well as gatehouses and gate-piers, status as ‘buildings of special architectural and historic interest’.

Cadw has previously refused to grant any of the buildings listed status, which would protect them from development without special consent.

Veteran Newport West MP Paul Flynn called it “very promising news”.

"At the heart of the main building is a splendid wood-lined chamber that has fine stain glass windows dedicated to Welsh poets," he said.

"It is a unique and precious part of Newport's heritage.

"I am sure it can be re-modelled into a new useful future roles.

"Closure of the college is a serious blow and assets that accrue must be invested in the city."

The long-serving Labour MP also took to Twitter to praise his Senedd counterpart Jayne Bryant for her work campaigning for the building to be protected.

Chairman of Newport Civic Society Nicolas Webb also welcomed the news.

"Newport Civic Society wrote to Cadw to support the efforts of Caerleon Civic Society to secure a long term sustainable future for the famous landmark main building at the university campus in Caerleon,” he said.

“The minister's statement is encouraging and we hope that an appropriate use for the building can be found."

The university left the 32-acre site at the end of July, with options around redeveloping the currently under consideration including a 400-home development – which has met with widespread opposition from people living in the area.

The university has previously said it is working to ensure the building was not lost as part of redevelopment of the area, but the ultimate decision around granting it listed status lay with Cadw. It has also expressed concerns listing the building would mean it would be harder for a future owner or developer to adapt the site, potentially putting it at greater risk of falling derelict or having to be demolished.

Residents in the town have rallied against the housing plans, with a petition hoping to halt the development attracting more than 1,300 signatures.