A MASSIVE reworking of junction 28 of the M4 has been delayed after planners forgot to ask community councils for their thoughts.

A decision on whether to go ahead with a new £15m box junction could have been made last week.

But planning officers forgot their obligation to consult community councils, so the plans had to be put off, pushing any decision back to next month.

Newport council wants to replace the roundabout with a box junction with traffic lights.

Engineers say the existing roundabout will not cope with rising traffic levels.

Now community councils at Coedkernew, Graig and Rogerstone will add their thoughts to the planning process.

Councillor Margaret Cornelious, who is both a city and Graig community councillor, said: "It's part of the democratic process that we have our say on this matter. We are concerned traffic from Bassaleg will face even longer queues while construction is going on. It could take 18 months."

The council also wants to dual the A48 carriageways between Celtic Lakes and Cleppa Park.

The plans are recommended for approval by planning officers and it is hoped they will be dealt with at the next planning meeting in November.

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "We were hoping to get started on this as soon as possible. The delay is disappointing. We've already got the funding."

Peter Williams, development control manager at the council, said: "Normally the community councils would have been consulted. It's an unfortunate oversight."

Brian Kemp, council head of engineering and construction, said the new design should cut queues and improve road safety. There will be special provision for pedestrians and cyclists.