CONCERNS were voiced over plans to convert the former Caerleon campus into housing at a packed public meeting.

The University of South Wales has submitted plans to build 311 new homes, including 42 flats in the Grade II listed main building in a proposed redevelopment of the former college site.

At a public meeting at Caerleon Town Hall on Tuesday, many residents expressed opposition to the plans.

A panel of experts made up of Tracey Brooks, development and regeneration manager, Joanne Davidson, planning officer, Joan Watkins, Cllr at Newport City Council (Caerleon), Jonathan Keen, regional services manager for environmental health at Newport City Council and Sarah Morgan, interim head of education at Newport City Council answered questions about the development.

Concerns were raised over the impact of the plans on traffic, air pollution, education and health service in Caerleon.

Anger was also expressed over the proposed demolition of the current sports centre.

Cllr Joan Watkins said air pollution levels in Caerleon are already significantly higher than the current EU directive.

She said the proposed development would increase traffic which would make the problem worse.

"Air quality is a massive issue and it needs to be addressed now," Cllr Watkins told the meeting.

Jonathan Keen said the council is concerned about air pollution.

He said: "We are well aware of air pollution issues in Caerleon which is why we are concerned about this development."

Mr Keen added that he is awaiting advice from highways engineers before he can give a full response.

Concerns were also raised from audience members about whether there would be enough school places in Caerleon.

However, Mrs Morgan said there was a surplus of places at Charles Williams and Caerleon Lodge Hill schools.

Questions were also asked about the planned demolition of the sports centre and whether there would be adequate sports provision.

Mrs Davidson, planning officer, said the loss the the sports centre was a "particular concern."

"It is a very good facility and the loss of that will be a key consideration for us," she said.

A planning application for the development was submitted around six weeks ago.

The meeting heard the application is expected to go before Newport City Council's planning committee in the New Year.