PLANS for the potential redevelopment of Cwmbran's Arvin Meritor site, which would create 1,170 jobs, have been recommended for approval by Torfaen council officers.

The Argus revealed in May how supermarket giant Morrisons wanted to build a store on the Grange Road site which would create 350 jobs.

Arvin Meritor, which runs its brake business at the site at the east of the town centre, submitted a planning application to Torfaen council which includes a 37,000 sq ft Morrisons store with a petrol station and a 497 space car park.

The plans also include the creation of offices, a 60 bedroom hotel with the option of a pub or restaurant and a 225 space car park.

It is estimated the hotel and offices would provide jobs for around 270 people and that the number of staff kept on at the Arvin Meritor braking division would increase from 400 to 550.

The planning application also requests to refurbish, partly demolish and extend the existing part of the factory.

A report, which will be discussed by full council next week, lists some of the concerns such as traffic issues raised by neighbouring residents and businesses.

Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd claimed there is no need for the proposed foodstore in Cwmbran.

But GVA Grimley, which carried out a retail and leisure study into the area, suggests the introduction of a new supermarket would increase competition and choice and has the potential to contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre.

Council officers have recommended the plans for approval subject to a series of conditions.

The plans will now be discussed at an extraordinary council meeting on July 12.