PLANS to demolish a former school building in Cwmbran and build 17 affordable homes in its place have been outlined.

A planning application has been submitted on behalf of Melin Homes to knock down the former buildings of Blenheim Road Community Primary School, which has since been relocated.

A mixture of flats and homes would be built on the site, with all of the properties defined as affordable housing.

Eight of the homes would be one-bedroom, seven would be two-bed and there would be two, three-bedroom homes.

A total of 32 car parking spaces are proposed for the development.

A design and access statement says the site is located close to bus services, a restaurant and bar, community education centre and two schools.

Following pre-application advice, designs were changed to address concerns over 'insufficient' parking and impact on public open space.

The principle of development at the site was agreed during pre-application discussion, the design and access statement says.

"The site is comprised of previously developed land within the settlement boundary," the statement says.

"The redevelopment of which would result in an under used parcel of land being brought back into beneficial use, for affordable residential purposes.

"As such, it is considered that the principle of developing the site for residential development is firmly established."

The "quality development" is planned to be in-keeping with the surrounding area, ensuring there is no detrimental impact on the closely located Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Privacy of existing and future residents has also been considered in the designs.

The design and access statement adds: "The appearance of the proposal is considered to bring a modern and contemporary look to the residential development."

Blenheim Road Community Primary School opened in its new location directly south of its previous location in 2016.

Melin Homes has discussed the plans with the school.

The relocation was funded as part of Torfaen council's 21st Century Schools Programme, working with the Welsh Government.

View the plans at torfaen.gov.uk, searching reference 18/P/0654/FUL.