A PLANNING application to convert a former school into 57 apartments has been submitted.

Durham Road Junior and Infants School was closed when it was amalgamated into Glan Usk Primary in 2008.

Housing developer Linc Cymru Housing Association has submitted an application to Newport City Council to build on the St Julian’s site proposing to build 57 apartments, associated parking, a lift, a mobility scooter, buggy and bin store to be built on the current “partially vegetated rubble”.

Of the 57 apartments, 44 would be sheltered apartments for the elderly including staff accommodation, while the remaining apartments would be “open market”.

In the proposal it reads: “The scheme is 100 per cent affordable and will provide accommodation for the ageing population.

“Whilst the development is not an extra care scheme it will have features to cater for elderly persons who do not require care.

“The apartment block will have the following facilities located internally: office, lobby and plant room.

“The proposals also include landscaping surrounding the building bisected by footpaths linking the scheme with the surrounding pedestrian network.”

The developers also said that the building will be “primarily red brick”.

The design and access statement read: “The site was previously a red brick school and it was considered appropriate to consider the historic use when re-developing the site.

“To celebrate the previous school, the finishing materials will be primarily red brick.”

Julie Williams, who used to live on Durham Road, said she “hopes” the site will be put to some use.

“For years it’s just been left,” said Mrs Williams.

“We’ve all found it sad because we remember when the school was here with lots of people.

“But now there’s nothing but weeds and rats.”

She added: “I don’t care what goes on the site just as long as something does.”

Mrs Williams’ husband, Derek Williams, added: “Having apartments for the elderly sounds good. We might want to move there.”

The application numbered 17/0431 will now go to the council’s planning committee for consideration. Any comments on the application should be made by June 5 via email planning@newport.gov.uk using reference 17/0431 or in writing to the Head of Regeneration, Investment and Housing, Newport City Council, Civic Centre, Newport South Wales, NP20 4UR.