PLANS to convert a former community centre in Newport city centre into flats have been given the backing of council planners.

A planning application proposes creating 11 flats at the former Baneswell Community Centre and eight flats at a nearby nursery building.

The development would also include the building of a new 12-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Planning officers have recommended approval, despite objections from residents.

A petition signed by 39 residents was lodged, as well as other objections.

Concerns over 'inadequate' parking provision have been voiced, as well as some saying there are already enough flats and HMOs in the area.

The Victorian era building has been empty for around four years and was sold at auction in 2017, after there was no interest in taking it on for reuse as a community facility.

The nursery has been empty since 2012.

Despite concerns, planners say the development would generate less parking demand than currently exists.

"The existing parking demand is far greater than that generated by the proposed development," a planning report says.

"The head of city services (highways) has no objection to the proposed development on this basis.

"It is recognised that local residents have concerns about the parking demand generated by the proposed development, the lack of off-street provision and the capacity of the surrounding streets to accommodate on-street parking.

"However, the fall-back use of the site and the existing parking demand is a material planning consideration."

Planners also dispute concerns from residents who say the area of Stow Hill has "the highest number of houses of multiple occupation."

But planning officers say there is only one existing HMO within a 50-metre radius.

The application will be decided by Newport council's planning committee on Wednesday.