UP to 456 homes could be built at the former police training college in Cwmbran.

The proposals put forward by Torfaen council as part of its Local Development Plan, could see the site, which was once controversially considered as the location for a new Welsh prison, transformed into a major housing development.

The plans, which are currently being consulted on could see a mixture of one, two and three bedroom flats in three and four storey blocks built, as well as mix of two to five bedroom homes.

There would also be some off road parking, children play areas, green open spaces for recreation and playing fields.

The 10.89 hectare site is part owned by Torfaen council, the Ministry of Justice and Redrow Homes.

It is made up of the former Police Training Centre, on overgrown playing field and small feilds and open grassland.

Main access into the site would be via Greenmeadow Way and there would be another access on Greenforge Way.

A report compiled on behalf of the three stakeholders says the site is well served by public transport and local amenities such as shops and a doctors surgery.

Thousands of people protested against the Prison Service's plans to build a closed prison for up to 1,500 inmates on the site in 2008.

The “Oppose the Prison Action Group’, led by St Dials councillor, Elizabeth Haynes, and Greenmeadow councillor, Catherine Lewis, was set up shortly after the Ministry of Justice’s announced, it was one of four potential sites.

Protests and marches were held in Cwmbran opposing the plans and a 6,000 name petition was handed to the Ministry of Justice.

The Prison Service eventually chose a site in North Wales.

Residents can make comments or objections about the plans at torfaen.gov.uk