PLANS for the next phase of a 1,200 home plan between Cwmbran and Pontypool could be given the green light next week.

A proposal to build 143 homes, and retail units, in South Sebastopol has been recommended for approval ahead of a decision by Torfaen councillors on Tuesday.

The reserved matters application follows outline permission for 1,200 homes being granted in 2014, after more than two decades of discussion on the plans.

House builders Taylor Wimpey are behind the latest phase to create the “village core” of the development on three fields.

The 10.9 hectare site is currently used for agricultural purposes, mainly for the grazing of animals.

Under the plans the development will include a range of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses with two,three, four and five bedrooms.

The vast majority of the houses, 126, would be two-storey in height, while six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments are also planned.

Three buildings would have retail units on the ground floor with apartments above.

A total of 20 affordable homes are included in the plans.

A village green area would include a play area and a car park, with ‘careful consideration’ not to detract from surroundings.

A pedestrian footbridge linking the canal towpath and the development of the other side of the canal has been mooted but does not form part of the application.

Torfaen Friends Of The Earth has said it is opposed to the potential footbridge, which would require separate planning permission.

A planning report says the village area could also serve as an attraction and destination for canal users.

The site would be accessed from the existing Avondale roundabout and a new roundabout off Cwmbran Drive. All of the properties would have designated parking spaces, with most having a garage.

Recommending approval, the report says the proposal represents “a well thought out high quality development.”

The first phase of the outline development is currently being built.