THREE masterplans which map out the future development of deprived areas have been given the seal of approval.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet agreed to support the masterplans for North Shelton, City Waterside East and Northwood at its meeting last night.
The masterplans are designed to encourage investment and stimulate interest in the three areas, which are among the most deprived in the city.
All three plans suggest a mix of new housing, retail and new business; along with improvements to public space to stimulate regeneration.
Introducing the masterplans to the cabinet meeting, City Independents Councillor Brian Ward, deputy leader of the council, pictured above right, said: "All three areas are recognised as needing intervention.
"Masterplans are a useful tool. It's about sharing a vision for an area.
"It engages with the local community and allows a vision to be drawn up for the whole area.
"They need to be realistic and achievable.
"There are now people interested in doing some development, which they weren't before."
The three masterplans have all been open to public consultation and have passed through a rigorous appraisal process to ensure each represents the best vision for the area involved.
Intervention has been ongoing in each of the three areas since 2003.
The final masterplans which have now been approved aim to link the work already carried out with potential future development in order to pull together a comprehensive investment strategy, the meeting heard.
The plan for North Shelton was first developed in 2009 and was approved by 230 of 250 people who responded. Key features include a new private and affordable housing, shops and office space in the Snow Hill area, a change to the road layout at Shelton New Road and Bedford Road. There will also be improved access to the Caldon Canal and new public space in front of St Mark's Church.
A working party first looked at the City Waterside area, adjacent to the Caldon Canal and to the south east of Hanley, in 2005.
Plans for the area include 522 new homes, additional green open space, new footpaths, and a restored canal-side.
The plan for the Northwood area of major intervention, first launched in 2009, features new housing, open space, shops, community facilities and possibly a health centre.
Councillor Tom Reynolds, deputy leader of the Labour Group, said: "It's always misleading to use the word 'masterplan'.
"It's important that we give it some realism and don't get people's hopes up.
"It is something for developers to look at, rather than something that is going to be done in any given timeframe."
Mr Ward added: "It does encourage investment in the area. You need a plan that everyone can buy into.
"Hopefully we will get there in the end."
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