PLANS to build a £50 million railway station in Newport have moved a step closer after a new railway line was approved by the city council.

A station at Llanwern with a 150-metre platform and 1,000-space car park, complete with park and ride facilities, is being proposed by Transport for Wales.

The first stage of the development is the construction of a 1.6km major events stabling line (MESL) which will act as a staging area when major sporting and musical events are held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Passenger services between Newport and Cardiff stations become overcrowded during these demanding times, often leading to delays and cancellations.

The proposed sidings will also be used to test new trains being built at the Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles factory nearby.

The CAF site at Llanwern, Newport. Pictures by Jack Boskett.

Newport council’s planning committee met to approve the application on Wednesday.

Councillor John Guy said: “Transportation in and out of Cardiff is horrendous in respect of big matches.

“There are lots of other aspects that have been taken into consideration but in my opinion this is something worthwhile which is an advantage to everyone.”

Newport railway station

Transport for Wales had planned to submit its proposals for the entire scheme in a single application but opted to focus on the MESL first to obtain "earlier benefits such as the acceleration of employments”.

The MESL, which would be connected to the South Wales Mainline and Tata Steel service lines, could also be extended to 4km to accommodate more stabled trains.

The larger scheme, including the railway station and car park, will be submitted in a later application.