8:10pm Monday 5th May 2008
By Harry Hawkins
FINAL plans were lodged with Newport city council for more than 500 new homes.
566 units are planned for 26 acres of land at the northern part of the Orb Works off Corporation Road, Lliswerry.
And developers Bryant Homes South Wales have now handed reserved matters plans to the council including details of landscaping, open space, roads and paths on the site, which takes in the area known as Monkey Island.
Bryant Homes are calling the brownfield development The Great Western Wharf Apartments and the area is part of the £30 million Newport East Gateway project overseen by regeneration bosses at Newport Unlimited.
Newport Unlimited say Monkey Island is set to become an ecological reserve, with walkways and park amenities attracting visitors, but the extent of the area to be dedicated to green space is as yet unclear.
Lliswerry ward Councillor Allan Morris said he was adamant the wildlife area must be maintained: "I am determined to safeguard that area as a green space and ecological area as we're building on both sides of the river and this will give wildlife a place to thrive.
"We have plenty of wildlife in the area and we need to allow it to flourish," he said.
Monkey Island got its unusual name because its shape is said to resemble a monkey sitting up.
Two bedroom apartments on The Great Western Wharf site are currently on sale from the Bryant Homes website for £129,995.
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