THE £7 million national velodrome project for Newport was yesterday backed by planning chiefs.

The plans now just need to go before the full council for approval. Ten letters of objection plus another letter signed by 30 opposed residents were received by Newport council, but the planning committee decided they could not jeopardise the project.

Newport had successfully competed against other local authorities last year to win the right to be home to the landmark velodrome.

The velodrome building and cycle speedway track - designed by former Australian professional cyclist Ron Webb - will be built on land next to Spytty Stadium which is currently used as playing fields.

Councillor Noel Trigg, who sits on the planning committee, said he was all in favour of the building, but was disappointed a couple of football pitches would be lost. "If we're losing more and more pitches, we are going to find ourselves in a mess," he said.

But councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, said: "We can't jeopardise this project." Letters of opposition had pointed out that Spytty Park was being filled with sporting facilities and that there would be no exercise areas left.

They also said the 22m high building would be an obtrusive eyesore, with the road access, floodlighting and noise from spectators devaluing properties.

The main building will be oval in shape with an elevated seating area for 500 spectators. The central arena within the cycle track can be used for athletics, netball, tennis, five-a-side football and gymnastics, when cycling events are not being held.

An entrance block attached to the main building will include changing facilities, cycle stores, a sports science facility, fitness club and function room.

The sports science room for the scientific testing of athletes would also be available to the general public for health and fitness assessments.

There would be a specialist weight training facility for elite athletes in addition to the fitness club, and the function suite would be primarily for dance and aerobics, and meetings for local groups and clubs.

It is estimated no more than five national cycling events would be held at the velodrome a year, each attracting fewer than 500 spectators.

Local clubs, schools, national squads and the general public will be able to use it on a weekly basis, with a predicted average of 480 visiting a day.