PLANNERS TURN DOWN BUILDERS MERCHANT DEPOT AGAIN

Newport City Council Planning Committee has again refused permission for a Robert Price Builders' Merchant near the Southern Distributor Bridge. They went against advice from planning officers. This is the second refusal of the scheme on the basis of its proximity to nearby schools and potential danger to children. Robert Price presently occupy premises near a residential area in Rodney Road. They need to move out of their current premises to make way for a Riverside esplanade forming part of the City Vizion scheme. The previous refusal in October 2006 resulted in a referral to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2007. It was believed that the new application addressed all the issues identified by the Planning Inspectorate including access, design, nature conservation and impact upon nearby residences. Only four letters of objection were received but the plans were thrown out on a 6-0 vote. It is likely that the Council could be involved in a lengthy and possibly costly appeals process as a result.

The City Centre Campus scheme met with the approval of the Planning Committee.