A FORMER care home in Newport is set to be converted into self-contained flats for elderly people.

The Emmaus care home in Stow Park Crescent opened as a residential home for the elderly in September 1973 and served around 20 residents.

However the care home closed for business more than two years ago due to falling occupancy numbers.

A design and access statement says this was "mainly due to a change of funding from the local authority."

Durations of stay became shorter and more intermittent and the facility began to lose financial viability, the statement adds.

The majority of the residents were rehoused in another care home nearby in Stow Park Circle at the time of the closure.

Permission has now been granted, with conditions subject to the signing of a legal agreement, for the home to be converted into nine self-contained flats for elderly people.

Works to be carried out include demolition of the existing conservatory and former external escape stair and construction of a new entrance porch.

The plans will also aim to improve the visual appearance of the building and improve access by changing the location of the front door.

The design and access statement says: "Refurbishing the facility as self-contained flats ensures sustainability for the building it also continues to provide residential care for the elderly in this location."

Under the plans the style of the new front door will be similar to the existing one and it will be protected by an open porch.

The new main entrance door will also be provided with a video entry phone linked to all flats.

An external fire escape, described an an 'eyesore', will be removed from the rear of the first floor.

Improvements to the fire alarm system and the provision of domestic sprinklers will also enhance fire safety.

The plans also aim to increase the building's contribution to the Stow Park conservation area.

The planning application was considered at a Newport City Council delegated meeting on Thursday, June 28 and permission was granted with conditions, subject to the signing of a legal agreement.