PLANS for a £13.5 million revamp of Coleg Gwent at Cross Keys which incorporate a new performing arts centre are to be considered this week.

The plans for a new building in Risca Road using part of the existing college site as well as a former bus station, are recommended for approval by Caerphilly council's planning committee.

The 4,350 sq m building would house a new entrance, learning resource centre, sports hall and performing arts hall.

There would also be office space and a café area.

Wednesday's planning meeting at Caerphilly council could see a full planning application approved.

The council is still in the process of securing funding from the National Assembly for the project - the first phase of a massive redevelopment of the whole of Coleg Gwent over the next 15 years.

It's hoped work, which will include the demolition of two existing buildings on site, can begin next autumn and be completed by the spring of 2010.

Coleg Gwent principal Howard Burton has called the project "inspiring".

He said the new performance hall would boast "state-of-the-art equipment".

A report before Caerphilly council's planning committee details how 160 homes were consulted on the plans.

The council has received 13 letters of objection and a petition with 115 signatures from Waunfawr Gardens and Risca Road flats.

Local people say students are already causing a disturbance and fear more students will add to this.

There are also concerns about the impact on the view of nearby hills for residents living close to the site.

The report on the planning application says the impact of the development, which is 26-52 metres away from the nearest houses, is ""considered acceptable", "especially in terms of the previous use as a bus terminal".