PLANS for a £15 million multi-screen cinema and leisure development look set to be given the go-ahead in three weeks.

Cwmbran would have an eight-screen cinema and bowling alley, as well as at least four top name restaurants under the proposals.

More than 240 jobs would be created by the project.

The plans were submitted by Cardiff developer Mint Blue. Company director John Ives said he expects councillors to give the green light to the project - earmarked for a site on Glyndwr Road - on March 14.

He said: "This is a major project and there were a number of planning issues which needed to be addressed before plans could be submitted.

"We are still on target to be on site by Easter."

The plans were originally due to be considered on February 7 but issues such as access to Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre and drainage of the site were not fully resolved in time. Leisure company Bowlplex is behind the plans for the 30,000 sq ft bowling alley.

The company already owns 16 complexes across the UK. A spokeswoman said the 24-lane bowling alley would create 40 of the 240 new jobs.

Cinema operator View Entertainment would operate an eight-screen cinema and the site would also include at least four top-name restaurants, including Portuguese restaurant chain Nando's and American eatery Frankie and Benny's. A nightclub and a bar are also included in the plans.

Mr Ives said the cinema and bowling alley should be operational by November 2007. Last year Torfaen council bosses revealed their blueprint for the regeneration of Cwmbran, which they are confident will attract £100 million in private investment over the next decade.

The council's chief officer for planning and public protection, Duncan Smith, said the Mint Blue project was a major part of those plans.