A FORMER hotel could be knocked down to make way for residential flats for people with autism and learning difficulties, planning documents reveal.

Somerton House on Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran, was previously used as a hotel and latterly was turned into a house in multiple occupation comprising 15 flats.

Developers Green Hill Construction Ltd have lodged an application to replace the former hotel with a new three-storey building for people with disabilities and older residents.

In April this year, the Argus reported that Green Hill Construction was due to go into administration.

The company has now fallen into administration but new planning agents have been appointed on behalf of Green Hill Construction to progress the application, Torfaen council said in a planning report.

Torfaen planning department has recommended that the new development be approved and councillors are to make a decision at Pontypool Civic Centre on Tuesday [July 15].

The new development would comprise four flats for people with autism, four for people with learning difficulties, another four for disabled residents and four for residents aged 55 and over who have care requirements.

The development would also comprise 16 parking spaces including four disabled bays.

A few residents voiced concerns about the potential scale and appearance of the development when Torfaen council consulted the public on the plans.

However, the planning report states that the facility would be partially screened from the nearby dual carriageway by new planting.

In addition, the building would feature bay windows and red brick materials similar to those used on nearby dwellings making it appropriate for the site, the report explains.

The granting of the application would also be subject to a section 106 agreement meaning the developer would make a financial contribution for potential recreational facilities in the area.