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

The matter was referred to the assembly after local people and Newport Council objected to plans for the courthouse at Langstone near Newport.

Planning Minister Carwyn Jones has now written to the authority to say the proposals should go ahead - subject to certain conditions including a minibus service and road safety works.

Up to 160 appeal hearings a week by asylum seekers would be held at the centre.

The Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA) had faced strong opposition to the plans from residents, and Newport council's planning committee which rejected the proposals.

But a pubilc inquiry then went ahead after the IAA appealed against the council's ruling.

The hearing centre will deal specifically with appeals against immigration and asylum decisions made by the Home Office.

Primarily, the Newport centre would cover south Wales and the south west of England.

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