PLANS to convert a derelict leisure centre into a Christian retreat have been recommended for refusal by city planners.

The Underwood Leisure Centre in Llanmartin closed in April 2013 and the next year police found criminals had used the empty building to grow cannabis, with more than 2,600 plants worth £1.6 million found at the site.

The application from the GLY Organisation who purchased the centre in 2016, would see the building, which is in poor state of repair, converted into a community facility for Christian retreats, including four residential suites for people using the building.

But the application for the centre has been recommended for refusal by the council's planning officers over concerns around plans to include accommodation for a caretaker and people using the facility.

The report states: “It has not been established that there is functional need for residential accommodation to support the enterprise and there is no exceptional justification for it in this rural area.

“Similarly, the proposed residential suites are considered to go beyond what can reasonably be considered ancillary to the main use of the building as a leisure/community facility and are unacceptable.”

A council report said: “The proposal would bring into use a vacant building which is in a poor state of repair and has a history of attracting anti-social behaviour.

“In this respect the re-use of the building is welcomed in principle subject to all other relevant considerations.”

It also said: “Whilst minimal external changes are proposed, due to the poor condition of the building extensive refurbishment is required.”

And Llanwern ward member Cllr Martyn Kellaway in the planning report said he was “unconvinced this is the right plan for Underwood or the applicant”.

To view the plans visit newport.gov.uk/planning and search for 17/0292. The application will be discussed by Newport City Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday, June 7, at Newport Civic Centre, which will begin at 10am.