PLANS to build a new estate of over 150 homes on the site of a former Newport high school were turned down over fears it would become a hot spot for car thieves.

Councillors objected to the road layout and carparking of the estate planned for the site of St Joseph's High School, Duffryn.

They said roads were too narrow and some car parking areas, which are located away from homes, would encourage car crime.

Their rejection was a shock as the application was recommended for approval by planning officers, who had spent "considerable" time fine-tuning the plans with developers Bellway.

The council's own officers had negotiated with Bellway to create an estate of 119 houses and 33 flats that would be less dominated by roads, with car parking in special zones instead of at the front of homes.

But councillor John Richards said the car parks would "encourage antisocial behaviour and car crime".

His views were backed by Gwent Police, who said thieves could exploit car parks that were not overlooked by homes and escape down "rat run" pedestrian lanes.

Councillor David Atwell said future residents would ignore the car parks and park on the roadsides, further restricting the highways.

He said: "Once residents start getting theft and damage to their vehicles they will park in front of their houses. Then the road will be blocked and fire engines will struggle to access it."

A council spokesman said track tests had showed refuse collection vehicles, which are wider than fire engines, would have to mount the footways.

Councillors were also unhappy that Bellway is not obliged to include affordable housing in the scheme.

Nobody at Bellway was available for comment.