A NEWPORT business has reacted angrily to council opposition to the proposed conversion of the former Megabowl building.

Johnsey Estates has applied to transform the 55,000 sq ft bowling alley into a smaller leisure unit and five shops.

But officers recommended to today's planning committee that the scheme is refused permission.

One of the reasons given was that they considered the company had not adequately demonstrated there was no demand for the building to be retained solely as a leisure outlet.

But Kevin Johnsey, a director of Johnsey Estates, said the company was taken aback that the council was considering refusing the application.

He said in the hope of keeping the original bowling operation alive, Johnseys had subsidised it in its final year to the tune of £500,000.

"Despite this, the Megabowl receivers could find no takers - and that is simply because a 55,000 sq ft operation is no longer viable.

"That is precisely why Megabowl collapsed and why no-one would take on such a proposal in Newport."

Mr Johnsey said the premises were marketed by expert national agents but the size of the building continued to be a problem.

In the report to today's meeting, officers say the council's own business section received an inquiry about taking over the building.

But Mr Johnsey questioned why that had not been referred to the company.

He added that in November last year, they were contacted by a woman who had been in touch with the council and was interested in part of the building for leisure uses.

However she wanted only 10,000 sq ft which would be available if the current application was granted.

"We can only repeat our disappointment that Newport City Council seems unable to recognise the demands of the local leisure market," said Mr Johnsey.