Rodney Parade revamp plans get go-ahead

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7937959.stm

The redevelopment of Newport's rugby ground has been granted planning permission by the city's councillors.

Rodney Parade will be transformed into a 15,000 capacity rugby stadium and private and student flats will help to fund the stadium expansion.

The plans have been opposed by some residents who fear the new properties will dwarf their homes.

The planning committee voted 6-4 in favour of the £40m scheme, subject to over 50 planning conditions.

The plans had already been altered because of the concerns raised by residents, who say they fear the redevelopment would be like "dropping an area of New York" into their neighbourhood. There are also worries about the increase of traffic and the restriction of light the flats would bring.

New training facilities and a clubhouse will also form part of the scheme which would improve facilities for the Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC who play at Rodney Parade.

Restaurant and conference facilities, as well as a sports injuries clinic, will be available for local community use.

In a statement posted on the Newport Gwent Dragons' website, Martyn Hazell, chairman of the club said: "This is a marvellous day for rugby in this part of Wales and I believe this decision is key to the future success of the Dragons in being able to compete with the best rugby clubs in the UK and Europe."

The club's chief executive, Gethin Jenkins said the decision would benefit both clubs at Rodney Parade and the community as a whole. "It is hoped that construction of the first phase of this regeneration could be starting by the end of the year," he said.

"The club is keen to proceed quickly with the implementation but recognises that the current economic conditions mean that getting the funding in place will be a longer process than might have been the case previously.

"The planning permission was granted subject to a legal agreement and the details of that will need to be negotiated with the council.

"It was also subject to over 50 planning conditions, each of which will need to be discharged formally. Some of these must be discharged before construction starts.

"In addition, the design must be progressed to a more detailed stage before tenders can be invited from construction companies and of course the funding will need to be put in place which will inevitably take time.

"We have however cleared a major hurdle with today's decision and now our focus will be on delivering the funding and detailed design required in order to take the Region and Club forward."

Leader of Newport council Matthew Evans said the new development was an "exciting prospect" for the centre of Newport and one that was unique amongst modern stadium developments.

"I know everyone involved with the project will continue to work and liaise with local residents and we can all look forward to seeing these plans become a reality," he said.[/b]

 

[danny]

Looks a really good design and great stadium. Pity its in Newport!

 

[Prestwick]

I think it's obvious that those flats on the corner nearest to us in the last promo picture will probably be the most expensive in Newport!

And well worth the dosh too! Awesome idea!

 

[Sir Speedy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (danny @ Mar 11 2009, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Looks a really good design and great stadium. Pity its in Newport![/b]

Mm, yeh, you'd probably get killed for not being Welsh the instant you enter the city.

I also see the appeal in living inside a cartoon.

 

[Ozzay]

Thats gonna look lovely in Newport.

Be ruined before long, youngsters there are terrible

 

[Prestwick]

What do you mean?! Gaze upon these fine and upstanding men from Newport!

 

[Cymro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Mar 11 2009, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

What do you mean?! Gaze upon these fine and upstanding men from Newport!

[/b]

Those Lads are legends!

 

[Sir Speedy]

The guy on the far left got too scared of the witchcraft that is photography, so he had to look away. Poor sod.

 

[Ozzay]

A few parts of Newport are very rough