NEWPORT residents are rejoicing after plans to build blocks of flats opposite a primary school were turned down.

Developers wanted to build 19 flats in three blocks on Bryngwyn Road opposite Clytha Primary School.

But residents and school staff say the area is overcrowded, the flats would be too high and the extra traffic would endanger youngsters.

More than 100 parents signed petitions against the plans and, even when developers amended their designs, ten residents wrote in to object.

The Planning committee turned the application down saying the flats constituted over-development, lacked green space and were of unsuitable design.

Adrian Williams, 60, a retired lecturer of Manley Road, lives behind the site, which was formerly a church car park.

He said: "This is absolutely brilliant news and residents will be overjoyed. There were a lot of worried people.

"We know the site has to be developed but these blocks of flats were ridiculous.

"The developer claimed they listened to us and changed the designs but they just tinkered with them.

"The safety of the children is paramount. The road is already too busy." And Councillor Matthew Evans said: "This was a concrete monstrosity. There are other developers who have far more sympathetic designs.

"We're very pleased with the result. This development was far too dense and there wouldn't have been a single blade of grass on it."

The planned flats consisted of 16 two-bedroom units and three single bed homes with 31 car parking spaces.

That was a drop from the original plans for 20 two-bedroom and three single bed flats.

Councillors heard that when faced with residents' opposition, the developers had sought the advice of the Design Commission, who told them they should build even more flats on the site.

Council officers had recommended the plans be approved and a site visit by councillors had also favoured a go-ahead. The developers could now appeal to the Planning Inspector.