THERE is nothing particularly new in the Rodney Parade planning application which goes before Newport City council today.

Although some of the detail is now being added on the numbers of flats and homes attached to the plan.

But there is no getting away from the fact that this is a major step for Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport Rugby Club.

The submission of the planning application turns the ambitious proposals for a 15,000 capacity stadium into something much more concrete.

It also illustrates the willingness on behalf of all those involved to get on and get on quickly with the proposals which will change the face of regional and city rugby in this area.

The plan will also create much-needed leisure and community facilities in an area of the city not blessed with either.

To help finance the plans there is the inclusion of flats which will contribute to the burgeoning population of the city which will soon boast a first class shopping centre and city centre university campus.

The building work will be done in three phases to enable Rodney Parade to be used throughout the development which is also good news for the teams.

If all goes according to plan, and thus far there is nothing to say it shouldn't, the work will start as soon as later this year.

Rodney Parade will become a first class rugby stadium.

Now all the rugby fans can hope for is that the teams's development will match that of the home ground.