The redevelopment will see Rodney Parade become a 15,000 capacity ground, and its pitch moved 20 meters along the bank of the River Usk.
Confirming that planning permission had been granted, Newport Gwent Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell said: “This is a marvelous day for rugby in this part of Wales and I believe this decision is key to the future success of the Dragons in being able to compete with the best rugby clubs in the UK and Europe.”
“It is hoped that construction of the first phase of this regeneration could be starting by the end of the year.
“The club is keen to proceed quickly with the implementation but recognizes that the current economic conditions mean that getting the funding in place will be a longer process than might have been the case previously.”
The planning permission was granted subject to a legal agreement and the details of that will need to be negotiated with the council. It was also subject to more than 50 planning conditions, each of which will need to be discharged formally. Some of these must be discharged before construction starts.
The design must be progressed to a more detailed stage before tenders can be invited from construction companies.
Mr Hazell said the club was now focused on delivering the funding and detailed design required in order to take the plan forward.
