A PLANNED appeals hearing centre for asylum seekers in Langstone was initially backed by the council's head of economic regeneration, a public inquiry heard yesterday.

The proposed centre at Columbus House has outraged residents - and the plan is now being considered by an inquiry ordered by the Assembly.

But yesterday, on the opening day of the inquiry, Rhodri Price Lewis QC, for the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA), said the head planning officer at Newport council (Stewart Wild) had originally backed the plan, which would create 47 jobs and give work for 32 translators.

He said: "The council's head of planning and economic regeneration saw the use of the centre as compatible with the character of this site." And chartered surveyor Steve Gibbon told the inquiry at Newport civic centre that the city had low demand for office space with many properties similar to Columbus House lying empty.

Langstone residents say the office block is the wrong place for the centre. And they fear it will increase crime levels by encouraging asylum seekers to wander the village.

But Mr Price Lewis said in his opening: "The workload of the IAA has increased dramatically. It needs space. There's no evidence of public disorder problems associated with a centre of this nature. Those using it are adhering to correct procedures. To suggest such people will singlehandedly increase crime in the locality is unfair and unreasonable."

The centre, already in use for IAA administration, would have eight hearing rooms and an extra facility for war pension appeals.

It was due to open fully last December and had been recommended for approval by planners, but was stalled by objections from councillors. The Assembly then ordered a public inquiry, due to end tomorrow.

John Litton, a barrister acting for residents' body the Langstone Action Group, said that Martin John, acting tribunals director for the court service, had failed to fully research sites outside Wales for the centre, which will serve South and West Wales and the West Country.

Criticising the lack of facilities in Langstone, he added: "The IAA won't allow hot food to be consumed on the premises."

He asked Mr John to consider whether "those from mixed ethnic backgrounds will be prepared to use a premises where alcohol is sold, or would be prepared to use McDonalds?".

Morag Ellis, for Newport council, disputed the number of jobs the centre would create.