INVESTORS in a £60m scheme to redevelop the former Sainburys site in Crindau are confident that work will get under way soon after a number of setbacks - including a bat survey - which have held up the development for a number of years.

The Fear Group, which bought the site about six years ago and which has planning permission for student accommodation, a hotel and other properties for the site, is waiting for a special licence from the government.

This was the latest setback following on a protracted issue with Natural Resources Wales and a fire and vandalism at the site which almost caused the group, owned by Dr Stephen Fear, to walk away from the project.

A spokesman for the developers said: “We are hopeful this licence will be granted shortly and that finally we can get this eyesore building demolished to make way for development.”

It had been hoped that the work would start in March but it was postponed after a member of the public reported seeing a bat flying into the building to Newport council.

Since then three surveys have been carried out with the final one revealing just one bat at the site.

He added: “All these delays and of course Brexit will mean some changes to the plans as they exist but we remain committed to developing this important gateway site into Newport.

“With the Severn bridge tolls due to be abolished next year we expect our prediction of Newport and south east Wales becoming an investment hotspot to become reality and, after the huge financial and personal commitment by us over very many years, we intend to remain part of its future.

“With residential values in parts of Bristol now rivalling London we expect many people to choose Newport as a place to live and work. Commuting to Cardiff, Bristol or London by train is easy, especially given electrification of the line now taking place.”