DETAILS of a major development which will transform a former steelworks site in Newport into hundreds of homes and a primary school have been outlined.

A reserved matters application has been lodged to build 471 homes on the former Whiteheads site off Mendalgief Road in Pill.

The development which includes 529 homes, 24 assisted living units, a primary school and pub or restaurant has already been given outline planning permission.

And plans for the rest of the development will be outlined at a later stage.

Out of the 529 homes, some 265 will comprise of affordable housing.

The reserved matter application says the development will include a "significant amount" of green infrastructure, including an 'eco park', tree boulevard and series of open spaces.

"The habitat provided in these areas would provide opportunities for birds and pollinators, and would also create a pleasant environment for future residents," a planning statement says.

Under the plans the majority of the development will be two or two-and-a-half storey which is said to complement the surrounding area.

The design of the housing is said to be "high quality" and appropriate to the site.

A pedestrian and cycle link is proposed to the edge of the development, while three main access points from Mendalgief Road are also planned.

The site was occupied by a steelworks from the 1920s until 2005, and has most recently been used as parking for the nearby Royal Gwent Hospital.

As part of the plans a scheme was agreed to upgrade Mendalgief Road to improve access into the site.

The upgrade will also improve the visual appearance of Mendalgief Road and how it operates, according to the application.

Crime and anti-social behaviour concerns were previously raised over the presence of back alleyways as part of the development.

But the number has now been reduced, and efforts have been made to reduce their length and blind spots.

The design of the development also means streets will be overlooked by homes, ensuring pedestrians have natural surveillance, according to the plans.

Apartments next to the Colicolor manufacturing site will be three and four-storeys and designed so as to be shielded from noise.

It is said that the development would "provide the basis for the creation of a new community."

The planning statement adds: "Due to the previous use of the site, development viability is challenging.

"The scheme presented in the application addresses this challenge, but also consists of high quality design that will create a vibrant new place for residents to live."

See the plans at newport.gov.uk, searching reference 18/1039.