LYSAGHT Institute must be saved - that is the strong message going to a company planning to build hundreds of homes in the grounds of the treasured building.

Once a social hub for the area's steelworkers, the former club has no protection under the law as it is not listed nor in a conservation area.

But community leaders and residents, who have watched the building's continuing decline, have campaigned for the Institute to be restored Taylor Wimpey has said it wants to re-use or redevelop the Institute as part of its scheme to build between 350 to 450 homes on the Spytty site.

Its early proposals suggest a variety of possible future uses for the building such as a restaurant, community centre, nursing home or residential.

Members of Newport's planning committee, who gave the outline application the go-ahead, made it clear they want the Institute to remain although the authority has no powers to guarantee its future.

Plans were first submitted three years ago but flooding issues led to the long delay.

Hurdles still have to be overcome - including the completion of flood defences along the River Usk - but this initial planning consent is a major step forward.

"This developer should know the importance of Lysaght's Institute to the people of this city," said Lliswerry councillor John Richards.

"My father paid sixpence a week to build it and so did his father. They worked at the steelworks like thousands of other people did."

Councillor David Hando said the building was of vital importance to the history of the city.

It was agreed the developers should be told the council wanted the building retained for the people of Newport.

More detailed plans will have to come before the committee for their approval at a future date.