COUNCIL planners have agreed that a century old working mens club in Newport can be demolished to make way for new homes.

The Argus has previously reported that Orb Working Men’s Club in Jenkins Street, Lliswerry, was sold after it shut in 2012 because of falling trade.

Planning officials at Newport City Council have now approved planning permission for the club to be demolished.

The permission will permit the developer, Adra Homes LLP, to build eight semi-detached three bed homes on the site.

It is planned for the homes to be sold to a social landlord.

According to a report by planners under plans the club will be demolished and replaced with four pairs of houses, each with a rear garden.

A payment of £23,003 will be requested for to help pay for open space and play provision at Lliswerry Recreation Ground.

However that requirement will be waived if the houses are sold to a registered social landlord as planned.

All the houses would front onto Jenkins Street. Officials agreed to grant the application with conditions.

The Orb Working Men’s Club, Jenkins Street, Lliswerry, was sold after it shut in 2012 because of falling trade.

Auctioneers tried and failed to sell the property in March but was since gone to a buyer.

The Lliswerry club, which is boarded up after shutting its doors last year, had a guide price at auction of between £80,000 and £100,000.

It opened in 1902 for steelworkers from nearby plants and also made a major contribution to the sporting life of Newport with the formation of a football club initially nicknamed the 'Ironsides', which in 1912 became the core of the newly formed Newport County AFC.

But the declining economy has hit the club hard in recent years and even a buy-out by 40 members, known as the Orb Consortium, could not save it.

The Jenkins Street building is made up of a lobby and bar, a lounge, snooker room and main concert hall with stage and separate bar, which can accommodate 200 people.

Upstairs there is a second function room and there is also a three-bedroom house on the premises, which was once used by the club manager.

The club has been the victim of vandalism and break-ins since its closure.