Wales Property Stephen Farrell

Planning permission has been granted for a new recording studio in Newport for use by Welsh band Manic Street Preachers.

CJ Projects has submitted an application on behalf of Shornday Ltd, a company whose directors are Sean Moore, James Bradfield and Nicky Wire.

Under the proposals, a residential building known as Ash Cottage near Caerleon, Newport, would be converted into a music studio for use by the band. On-site parking will also be increased.

Newport City Council has now issued a decision notice granting approval for the change from residential to recording studio use.

The consent is subject to conditions including a maximum of eight people using the facility at a time and a limit on operating hours to 9am to 10pm in the week and 9am to 6pm at weekends.

A design and access statement submitted with the plans said it would be for the "sole use of the applicant's band and it will not be a commercial studio" for use by other musicians.

A series of sound proofing measures would also be undertaken to ensure that nearby properties will not be affected by noise and that no external sound can affect recording.

The statement said: "The applicants, who are a well-known and well respected band, are making arrangements to move from an existing recording studio and they wish to convert an existing dwelling into a new studio.

"The choice of the application property was made having regards to its reasonably isolated location.

"However, it is important to note that the proposed use will not result in noise issues that could affect local residents."

Manic Street Preachers formed in 1986 in Blackwood and have to date sold more than ten million albums worldwide.

Image credit: Adam Slinger