A £1.8 MILLION housing development could be built on the site of a former Newport joinery workshop which was destroyed by fire almost six years ago.

A planning application to turn the recently cleared site of the former Limebright Joinery in Marlborough Road into 13 affordable new homes has recently been submitted to Newport council by local housing company Seren Group.

The development will be made up of nine traditional three-bedroomed family houses and four one-bedroomed apartments.

Seren Group new business and development manager, Rhys Parry said "Now the complex legal issues are almost resolved, we are extremely positive we can progress with the redevelopment of the site.

"The proposal will not only bring much-needed affordable homes to the area but will have a huge impact on the local community who have had to live with the constant reminder of the fire that devastated their community back in 2007. ”

Developed in partnership with Newport council and the Welsh Government, the homes will be available to rent through Charter Housing Association which is part of the Seren Group.

Cabinet member for regeneration and development, Cllr John Richards said: "This is extremely encouraging news and I am sure it will be welcomed by those who live near the site.

"While the devastating fire will live long in people’s memories it will be wonderful to see homes filling that empty space, especially affordable homes for both families and single people."

It is thought the construction will begin at the start of 2014, subject to the purchase completion of the last two plots of land by Newport council.

More than 80 firefighters were called to the scene back on August 7, 2007, when a fire broke out at the joinery workshop. Around 100 residents were evacuated from 35 houses and many people were left homeless by the blaze which was later found to have been accidental.

Residents lobbied for years for the site to be cleared.