CONCERNS over failures to accurately assess the risk of flooding and to demonstrate that contamination of sensitive areas of the River Usk can be avoided, look set to scupper plans for a housing development in Newport.

Ninety-three homes - 17 houses and 76 apartments - are proposed for a site opposite the city's magistrates court that is currently being used as a car park. It fronts onto Usk Way between the Newport Student Village based at Endeavour House, and Jack's Pill.

The plan, submitted by I Lewis for Bristol-based Iesis Limited, proposes a variety of housing in buildings ranging from two-five storeys in height, with Jack's Pill as the focal point, and the layout designed with the main frontage of the development looking over the waterfront.

But a planners' report due to be considered by the city council's planning committee next Wednesday, September 2, is recommending that planning permission for the scheme be refused.

"The applicant has failed to accurately assess the risk of flooding and demonstrate that the consequences of flooding can be acceptably managed for the lifetime of the development," the report concludes.

"The applicant has (also) failed to demonstrate... that the risk from potential contamination and pollution on controlled waters and ecological interests at the River Usk Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest would be avoided.

"In addition, insufficient information has been provided to allow the authority to appreciate the potential impacts on the European designated site and protected species." The latter includes otters and fish.

The land is part of the urban regeneration site for the Old Town Dock area, and was the subject of a proposed development of 228 homes, for which planning permission, subsequently lapsed, was granted almost eight years ago.

Economic downturn and recession stalled this and other city centre redevelopment plans however, and latterly the site has been used as a 258-space car park.

The loss of that car park is the subject of an objection to the proposal from an individual, based on concerns about the loss of parking spaces for people visiting the nearby Passport Office, magistrates' court, and student village. 

Natural Resources Wales also objected, on the grounds also highlighted by city planners in their recommendation for refusal - concerns over flood risk management and water contamination and pollution issues.