RESIDENTS reacted with anger and disappointment as approval was given for a massive housing development in Newport..

A determined campaign was mounted against the proposal by Gallagher Estates to build up to 1,100 homes in Llanwern.

Jacqui Grant, of the Llanwern Village Action group, told planners: "This development should not go ahead in beautiful open countryside."

But, as www.southwalesargus.co.uk reported yesterday, a majority of the committee agreed to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, following a long debate as residents looked on.

"We are gutted," Mrs Grant said afterwards, adding they would now have to consider if there was anything else they could do.

Major concerns of the protest group were the development was on a greenfield site, the size of the project which they feel will swamp the village and traffic congestion from the Coldra roundabout into Llanwern.

Nine councillors of the 12 on the planning committee were present at the meeting.

David Hando and Richard White voted against the proposal, with the remaining seven - Christine Jenkins, John Richards, Paul Huntley, Trevor Watkins, Malcolm Linton, Mark Whitcutt and Laura Buchanan-Smith voting in favour.

The committee was told the principle of developing housing on green fields in the eastern expansion area was established in the council's own development plan.

It was almost certain a refusal would lead to a successful appeal by the company which could land the council with a large bill.

Access to the new development, another concern raised by protestors, will be via the junction of Cot Hill with the SDR.

The Cot Hill approach of the junction would also be widened.

Officers said the proposed development would be a major factor in the economic and sustainable development of the city.

Peter Stacey, of Turley Associates - planning consultants to Gallagher Estates - told the committee Newport's success in attracting inward investment needed to be matched by a supply of new homes and this site would provide a variety of family houses.

A substantial package of contributions was agreed following negotiations between council officers and the company including the following.

* 23 per cent affordable housing - the largest percentage in the city so far.

* £2.5 million towards the redevelopment of Hartridge School.

* £4.92 million towards the provision of a new primary school in Llanwern.