PLANS for a waterfront development of more than 90 homes in Newport have been withdrawn just days before councillors were to consider whether or not to approve the scheme.

Ninety-three homes, comprising 17 houses and 76 apartments, the latter in blocks up to five storeys high, were proposed for a site opposite the city's magistrates court that is currently being used as a car park.

Bristol-based Iesis Limited was behind the plans for the site, which fronts onto Usk Way between the Newport Student Village based at Endeavour House, and Jack's Pill.

The layout of the development was such that the main frontage looked the waterfront.

A planning application for the development was due to have been considered by Newport city council's planning committee on Wednesday.

But as the Argus reported last week, a planning officers' report highlighted concerns over failures to accurately assess the risk of flooding and to demonstrate that contamination of sensitive areas of the River Usk can be avoided, look set to scupper plans for a housing development in Newport.

That report contains a recommendation that planning permission be refused.

"The applicant has failed to accurately assess the risk of flooding and demonstrate that the consequences of flooding can be acceptably managed for the lifetime of the development," it concludes.

"The applicant has (also) failed to demonstrate... that the risk from potential contamination and pollution on controlled waters and ecological interests at the River Usk Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest would be avoided.

"In addition, insufficient information has been provided to allow the authority to appreciate the potential impacts on the European designated site and protected species." The latter includes otters and fish.

The site has already been the subject of a now lapsed planning permission for 228 homes, granted in 2007.

In 2012, permission was granted for the site to be used as a 258-space car park, a role it continues to fulfil.