PLANNING officials are set to recommend the approval of plans for the next stage of Newport’s multimillion pound City Vizion scheme, with 122 new houses and flats planned for the site of the former Robert Price Builders Yard on Rodney Road.

Developer Taylor Wimpey first unveiled plans for the site in September 2007. The first phase of the work was completed, but the second stage was postponed because of the recession.

But Taylor Wimpey resubmitted their proposals in October last year, and planning officials at Newport City Council will recommend the approval with conditions of the second phase at a planning committee meeting on April 14.

The development on the banks of the River Usk will include 91 two-bedroom flats, two one bedroom flats, 16 three bedroom houses and 13 two-bedroom houses.

There will also be a public plaza with restaurants and cafes, and a new footpath which would link the development from the River Usk footbridge through to Corporation Road.

As part of Taylor Wimpey’s commitment to the City Vizion scheme, the developer would agree to make 15 per cent of the development into affordable housing, as well as agreeing to contribute £650,000 for leisure and education purposes in the city if plans are approved by councillors next week.

Speaking to the Argus in October last year when Taylor Wimpey announced it was submitting revised plans to Newport City Council, Newport Unlimited director of regeneration Andrew Dakin said: “It is a key aspect of the city’s regeneration, and it will reflect other high quality schemes such at the Newport University campus, which is currently under construction on the opposite side of the river.”

Councillors will vote on whether to follow the officers' recommendation at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday.