MORE than a hundred flats are likely to be built on a former Newport golf course - despite concerns over traffic jams and air pollution.

Residents say developing the site of the former Tredegar Park Golf Course clubhouse will cause rush-hour hell on congested Bassaleg Road.

The site is in an air quality management area because it borders the M4. A report was ordered to see if the flat-owners' cars might cause extra pollution. But Peter Williams, development control manager at Newport council, said draft results show any increase would be "insignificant".

Planning officers and two leaders of the planning committee are likely to approve the plans once the final report has been completed.

But ward councillors, two community councils and residents all blasted the plans, branding it an eyesore whose 185 new car spaces would create road mayhem. Adrienne Faulkner, of Glasllwch View, said: "It's a crying shame that it looks like this will go ahead. A lot of homes will be squashed into that spot and I'm concerned about pollution and traffic."

The development will put blocks of mostly three storey buildings on the 1.57 hectare site bordered by Bassaleg Road, the railway line and the M4. Gwent Police said crime could be encouraged by the open access of the flats complex and because some car parking spaces are not overlooked by homes.

Councillor Mark Whitcutt told the planning meeting: "We should be concerned about the police comments. These flats could create little havens for criminals to do what they want without being seen."

The Tredegar Park Golf Club used the course until 1999 before moving.