A DERELICT pub in Newport could be redeveloped into a nursing home.

Anjum Hussain and Amit Patel have applied to Newport council to demolish the King Hotel, Somerton Road, Newport, which once served as the headquarters of Newport County AFC, and replace it with a nursing home.

The two men purchased the King Hotel for around £140,000 at auction earlier this year.

Mr Hussain, who has family ties in South Wales, told the Argus: “We are excited about the proposed development of a ‘state-of-the-art’ care home in Newport. This will remove a long-standing eyesore.”

The home, proposed to be called Somerton House, would support 60 residents and would focus on dementia and nursing care. “There is no other ‘purpose built’ home on the eastern side of Newport, Mr Hussain said.

He added the building would create local employment opportunities during its development and once it is complete.

According to plans, the building will be built on three floors with no steps on any floor, using lift access and ambulant disabled staircases.

Allan Morris, a Lliswerry ward councillor, welcomed the proposals, saying the building has been an “absolute thorn in the side of people living in the area and ward councillors.”

“It’s generated so many complaints about rubbish,” he said, saying the building was deteriorating on a “daily basis”.

“There have been many false dawns. Any redevelopment is welcome and can only enhance the area,” he said.

At least two plans were submitted over the last ten years for the King Hotel site to be redeveloped.

Previously plans for the pub included demolishing it and building a flats on the suite.

A similar scheme had been put forward in 2005 but was delayed due to flood risk issues, but planning permission for 32 flats to be built on the site in 2008.

However a proposal went to planning committee in 2012 for the latter scheme to be blocked after problems over a legal agreement that should have seen more than £400,000 paid for social housing.

The King Hotel, which was once known as the King of Prussia, was used the headquarters of Newport County during its period of "exile".

Newport County had also used the pub for changing rooms when it played on its previous nearby Somerton ground.