AN abandoned hotel in Newport's city centre is to be brought back into use after a planning application to convert it into 30 luxury apartments was approved.

Newport City Council planning committee unanimously approved the application today to turn the 200-year-old Kings Hotel, in Newport's High Street, into 13 two-bedroom apartments, 14 one-bedroom apartments and three studios.

The application was submitted by Cardiff-based businessman Jahan Abedi, one of TV's Secret Millionaries, who told the Argus in June he was keen to be part of the "positive change" happening in Newport.

Planning committee members agreed with council officers that the application, which also includes three office units and two commercial units for food and drink outlets, was a good investment for the city centre.

In an application such as this, officers would usually support it subject to a section 106 (S106) agreement which asks developers to contribute financially for play or educational amenities.

Newport City Council officers said they will waive the S106 agreement providing the development has been substantially completed in three years.

Planning committee member councillor Paul Huntley said: "If this application is the same quality as Shire Hall [another development by Mr Abedi], it's going to be very good for the city of Newport."

Councillor Christine Jenkins added that the Kings Hotel is a "significant" building in Newport and that she welcomed the application and the investment in the city.

Conditions imposed include sound insulation measures to prevent residents being too disturbed by traffic and public entertainment noise and full details of external doors, Juliette balconies, windows and external finishes will need to be submitted for approval.

The Kings Hotel has been used as a hotel, music venue and public house for more than 200 years. A fire in the 19th century meant the current building had to be re-built in 1900.

The hotel closed its doors in 2012 following a severe downturn in trade.