Ancient relics from Newport’s past could be unearthed by a multi-million pound retirement village which is set to built on Stafford Street.
The development, which will include 54 sheltered apartments and six affordable elderly apartments, was officially given the go-ahead by Telford &?Wrekin Council planners this week.
And Newport History Society will be keeping a keen eye on the build - with a strong possibility of unearthing medieval artefacts.
To evaluate the importance of the area, a small number of trial-trenches will be dug by developers McCarthy & Stone.
If significant archaeological remains are found, a more extensive excavation and off-site analysis will be required.
Newport History Society member David Adams said: “The more we know about the town, the better. The History Society would be very interested to see if anything was found.
“When I owned the yard on St Mary Street (now Catalogue Surplus) we dug past many medieval deposits - bones and bitw and pieces - and preserved them.
“This town has gone through quite a lot of changes so there should be quite a lot to find.”
The development will include 32 one-bedroom units and 22 two-bed rooms, with a communal lounge, laundry and guest suite. Six social rental apartments, two one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments will be built.
The development received one letter of complaint from the public, along with concerns about a shortage of parking spaces from Newport Town Council and Newport Civic Society.
But Town and borough councillor in charge of regeneration, Councillor Eric Carter said he was delighted the plans had been given the green light.
He said: “We have had to jump through hoops but this will be a fantastic development.
“It will be a focal point at the entrance to town and it will be great to see people living there instead of the derelict land.
“There will be more shoppers supporting the town and it will also improve the Stafford Street area.”
And Newport Town mayor Councillor Roy Scammell also backed the plans.
Plans have also been proposed for another multi-million pound retirement complex a stones throw away at the top of Stafford Road.
However planning applicant, David Brierley said his retirement village was completely different.
He said: “These are two totally different designs aimed at different markets.
“We will be offering a lot more services including central catering and a swimming pool.”
By Sean Wozencroft
