CONCERNS have been raised around the impact of a planning application which could see a former nursery in Bettws knocked down and replaced with 10 houses and a block of flats.

Newport-based Charter Housing Association has lodged an application demolish the former Bettws Day Nursery in Don Close, which has been closed since 2014, and build five pairs of semi-detached homes and six one-bedroom flats.

But neighbours have raised a number of concerns around a lack of parking and increase in traffic, overcrowding in the area and a lack of space for children to play.

The application, which is recommended for approval by the council’s planning department, includes 27 parking spaces, one for each bedroom in the development.

In a letter to the council Stephen Hunt of Don Close said he was seriously concerned about the impact on traffic.

“There is already too much strain in Bettws on the local transport system,” he said.

“Sometimes trying to leave or come back into the estate is horrendous.

“I urge you please to withdraw this application and, whilst I appreciate that people have the right and need to new housing, there must be other estates that have the space for these to be built on.”

Ward member of Newport City Council Cllr Kevin Whitehead has also raised concerns around the amount of development in the area.

“Has Newport City Council actually taken into account the massive lack of infrastructure on Bettws which is already struggling in relation to doctors, dentists, schools and nurseries?” he said.

“Also Bettws Lane at peak times can be utter chaos with cars the length and breadth of the lane up to Bettws garage.

“What real community facilities do we have on Bettws to also cope with the extra influx of many more people?

“These are the conversations I’m having with residents on a weekly basis.

“By all means grant planning but supplement the estates infrastructure to cope with it.”

A Charter Housing Association spokeswoman said the former day centre had become "unsightly" and "a magnet for anti-social behaviour", while there was significant demand for affordable housing in Bettws.

On road safety concerns she said: "We have worked very closely with the local authority highways and planning departments to ensure these issues have been addressed in the latest design.

"At least two car parking spaces have been provided to each property and track testing has been undertaken to ensure there will be adequate turning circles enabling residents to access their properties."

She added the development had been designed "sympathetically" and would not be overbearing.

The application will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, November 2. The meeting at the Civic Centre will begin at 10am and is open to the public.

To view the full plans visit newport.gov.uk/en/Planning-Housing/Planning/Planning.aspx and search for application 16/0526.