PLANS to convert a Newport office building into apartments have prompted concern that social housing would ‘attract undesirables’ to the area.

An application seeks permission to build four two-bedroom apartments and two-one-bed flats in Caerau Road, with all units being offered as affordable.

The offices were formerly used by Underwood Insurance Services and has been vacant since the firm relocated in 2017.

Four parking spaces have been proposed within the building’s forecourt, falling short of the expected demand for 12 spaces.

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A report to Newport council’s planning committee says that there is high demand for affordable housing in the area.

But the proposals has been met with letters of objection from eight neighbouring properties, with their concerns summarised in the report.

Issues include insufficient parking, high levels of properties already converted into flats, noise and visual impacts and increased littering.

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The report adds: “The proposal would involve social housing which is not in keeping with the area and it would attract undesirables, resulting in increase in crime and antisocial behaviour and harming public safety, wellbeing and residential amenity.”

Allt-yr-yn’s three Conservative councillors – Matthew Evans, David Fouweather and Charles Ferris – are also opposed to the scheme.

Cllr Evans, leader of the council’s Conservative group, said: “The plans will do nothing to enhance surrounding properties and is woefully short of parking spaces in an area already struggling with sufficient spaces.”

Cllr Fouweather claimed that one neighbour was concerned about the development’s impact on her privacy.

Planning officers say the scheme would not be ‘unduly harmful’ to local amenity, parking or pedestrian safety.

An area of overgrown vegetation at the rear of the property will also be cleared to bring the land back to use and ‘improve the amenity’ for future occupiers and neighbours.

The report says there is no evidence to back up claims by neighbours that the flats would result in an increase in littering in the area given bins and recycling facilities would be provided.

Members of the planning committee will consider the application on February 6.