PLANS have been lodged to build a three-storey block of 18 flats in a Caerphilly village.

A planning application has been submitted for a housing development on a former petrol station site in Newport Road, Pontymister.

The application proposes 12 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom self-contained apartments.

Each apartment will include an open plan kitchen and living room, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Car parking for 22 vehicles on the site is proposed, as well as cycle and bin stores.

Pedestrians would be able to access the site via a new pathway onto an existing footpath.

Vehicles would enter the site using the existing access onto Newport Road.

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A design and access statement says the site is in a 'desirable' location, close to the centre of Pontymister and facilities on Commercial Street.

Risca and Pontymister railway station is located nearby, and regular bus services run along Newport Road.

The site is situated close to the River Ebbw with part of it lying within a flood zone, but the plans will be designed to minimise the impact of flooding.

The proposal bids to create "an attractive and vibrant" sustainable development.

"The proposed scheme will take maximum advantage of the site’s position within this established residential area to create attractive and high quality sustainable residential units," a design and access statement adds.

By building on a brownfield site the development will also help alleviate pressures on greenfield sites in the borough, the application adds.

The plans are expected to be considered by Caerphilly council in the coming weeks.