The inquiry into the hearing centre is expected to last three days

The Welsh assembly inquiry is considering plans by the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA), to use Columbus House, in the Langstone area of the city, as a hearing centre for asylum seekers appealing Home Office decisions.

Up to 160 appeal hearings a week by asylum seekers would be held at the centre if it were to get the go-ahead.

But the immigration authority has faced strong opposition to the plans from city residents, and Newport council's planning committee has already rejected the proposals.

The inquiry is being held after the IAA appealed against the council's ruling.

It into the proposed hearing centre will open at 1000 BST at the council offices in Newport's civic centre and is scheduled to last three days.

Development

Work has already started at the premises, because the development is covered by legislation which means normal planning controls do not apply.

The hearing centre is aimed at dealing specifically with appeals against immigration and asylum decisions made by the Home Office.

Primarily, the Newport centre would cover south Wales and the surrounding area.

Currently, the authority which hears asylum appeal cases uses courts in Cardiff.

But if the facility opens in the east of Newport it would become the hearing venue for Wales and south west England.