Plans for a multi-million-pound redevelopment at the heart of a North Staffordshire community are set to take a major step forward later this week.
Proposals introduced by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, working with Aspire Housing and Staffordshire County Council, to revitalise and regenerate Knutton village will bring investment, employment opportunities and housing and leisure facilities.
Using vacant land in the centre of the village, off High Street, the plans include an expanded enterprise centre for new and growing businesses, a village hall which would be locally managed, residential development and green space.
The enterprise centre units will support a range of small and medium sized businesses and fulfils a growing demand for these kind of facilities.
On Tuesday (Nov 7), the borough council’s cabinet is set to approve the sale of borough council land to both Aspire Housing and Staffordshire County Council to pave the way for development, in addition to drawing up plans for the new village hall and submitting a planning application.
The whole scheme is supported by a £3.5 million allocation from the Newcastle Town Deal.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “Working closely with the community, we are now at the stage where our joint vision to regenerate the village can begin moving forward.
“Once the land sale is agreed our partners can begin implementing their plans to bring housing and employment space to the heart of the community.”
The project has undergone a full public consultation, which has led to some changes to reflect community needs. This included ensuring the new village hall is built on the High Street land with the retention and improvement of current play facilities nearby.
Sinéad Butters, Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing, said: “We’re really excited to be involved in the regeneration proposals for Knutton Village and the development of much needed new affordable homes in the community.”
