Affordable homes plan for site of demolished pub

Proposals for 32 affordable homes on the site of a demolished Newport pub have been submitted to the city council.

The Open Hearth, in Ringland, was knocked down following a series of fires and complaints of antisocial behaviour after it closed.

Newport City Council sold the wider site – then valued at £140,000 – to housing association Melin Homes in 2022, on the basis it would be redeveloped for affordable housing.

Hedyn, formed in a merger between Melin and Newport City Homes earlier this year, is now seeking planning permission for that development.

If approved, the scheme will comprise a mixture of 19-one bed flats, designed for up to two people; seven two-bed flats for up to three people; and six two-bedroom houses for up to four people.

The majority of the flats would be built in one three storey building towards the east of the site, while the remainder would be located within a smaller two-storey building to the west.

The six proposed homes would be semi-detached and built on the north of the site, backing onto the main road, Hendre Farm Drive.

Parking, landscaping and a public open space have also been included in the designs.

Asbri Planning, acting as the applicant’s agent, said the former pub site is “located in a sustainable position and presents an opportunity to deliver a new, mixed and balanced community through high-quality, sustainable residential development”.

The proposed homes have been “designed to make the most effective use of the site”, and the development “aspires to create a place where residents of all ages and circumstances… can live well”, the agents added.

The application is out for consultation until Monday September 29, and can be viewed on the Newport City Council website under reference 25/0700.