A PAIR of large new industrial units could be built at the site of a former car showroom in Newport if a planning application gets the go-ahead.

Starburst Ltd has applied to build two buildings for business, industrial or storage and distribution use, covering a total of 5,498 sq m at the former Carcraft site in Langland Way.

If the application, which is recommended for approval by Newport City Council’s planning department, gets the green light the two buildings will be built either side of the unit formerly occupied by Carcraft, which went bust last year.

A report presented to the council’s Planning Committee, which is due to make a decision on the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, September 7, said, while the scale of the buildings is “considerable”, it is not considered out of keeping with the largely industrial area.

“The buildings would be sub-divided to provide smaller units in order to provide flexibility for future occupiers,” it said.

“Parking would be provided to the front and sides of the proposed buildings.

“A cycle store would also be provided.

“The buildings would have a utilitarian design which is considered to be in keeping with the surrounding commercial/industrial uses.

“Roller shutter doors would be installed in both buildings.”

The report also said the nearest residential property is about 180m away on the other side of the Southern Distributor Road, so the development would have no impact of residents.

“The proposals represent the development of a prominent brownfield site and would provide economic benefits, therefore according with national and local planning policy,” it said.

“It is considered that the proposals would not result in a detrimental impact to the local highways networks, ecological interests or the character of the area.”

Although no objections have been received against the plans, Natural Resources Wales has asked for measures to be included protecting the building from flooding.

And the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust said, while the site is located in an ‘archaeological sensitive area’ and near the Gwent Levels, the previous development of the area had likely rendered this irrelevant.

The report said: “The previous development of the site has likely had an adverse effect on any potential archaeological remains that may be present.

“Nevertheless, there remains the possibility that archaeological structures or features may be encountered during the development.

“Therefore it is our recommendation that a condition requiring the applicant to submit a detailed written scheme of investigation for a programme of archaeological work to protect the archaeological resource should be attached to any consent granted by your members.”

If the plans go ahead the southernmost building will be 89m long, 24m wide and 8.6m tall, while the larger, eastern unit will be 170m long, 20m wide and 8.3m high.

Starburst Ltd could not be reached for comment.

Next Wednesday’s meeting at Newport Civic Centre will begin at 10am and is open to the public.

To view the full report visit newport.gov.uk and search for application 16/0438.