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Plans for a “state-of-the-art” upgrade at the Coleg Gwent campus in Crosskeys have moved a step closer after winning the support of Caerphilly councillors.

The local authority’s planning committee has granted permission for the early stages of a major campus redevelopment the college said would “create an enriching and inspiring space that boosts learners’ aspirations”.

Council planning officer Helen Winsall told the committee the proposals covered a “quite significant” area in the north-western corner of the campus.

Demolition works have been proposed for several buildings to make way for their new replacements.

Ms Winsall said the sites earmarked for demolition were “largely the older buildings on the campus that have come to the end of their life and are not fit for purpose anymore”.

The proposals are for new campus buildings with a “contemporary” design.

The redevelopment project “will have benefits for the community”, she added.

Previously, a Coleg Gwent spokesperson said: “By providing a modern and innovative setting, including a three-storey teaching building with cutting-edge facilities, we aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their full potential and succeed in their future careers.”

Members of the planning committee voted unanimously in favour of granting full planning permission for the first stage of the project, as well as outline permission for the following three stages of development.