A HOUSING scheme aimed at providing affordable apartments for those with learning disabilities has been knocked back by Newport City Council.

Plans to build six one-bed flats in place of two existing semi-detached houses in Pillmawr Road were rejected by the authority’s planning committee on Wednesday.

A council officer told the meeting that 101 people with learning difficulties were currently waiting for specialised accommodation in the area.

But a report urged members to refuse the application as the proposed two-storey block would have an impact on properties in nearby Pinewood Close.

“The principle benefit of the scheme would be the provision of the supported living units which are identified as being needed in this part of the city,” it read.

“It is concluded that the overbearing on the rear gardens and blocking of direct sunlight of Nos. 15 to 21 Pinewood Close is sufficiently harmful to outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”

The applicants, KRM Properties, had previously applied to build eight flats on the same site but withdrew their application last September.

A spokesman told the meeting that the developers were “extremely disappointed” by the report’s recommendation.

“My client withdrew his previous application after he was asked to reduce the number of units by two and to investigate an affordable housing scheme for those with a mild learning disability,” he said.

“The scheme has not been drawn up in isolation but in collaboration with the council and housing associations. But the report fails to set out these benefits. Less than two weeks ago, Shelter Cymru said that we were in the midst of a housing crisis. This scheme will help meet this need, with five or six apartments fully accessible for residents with a disability.”

Cllr Yvonne Forsey had moved to approve the development as “a supporting living scheme is greatly required” but found no support. A proposal to refuse by Cllr Ray Mogford was subsequently carried.