IT has taken a while to get to this point but the derelict brownfield site which once housed the Whiteheads Steelworks in Newport is to get a new lease of life.

The 17 hectare site has stood empty for a decade.

But a planning application lodged with Newport City Council could see it transformed into a major housing development.

The Whiteheads Development Company is planning to build 500 homes, a new primary school and a 50-bed residential home on the land, which is just off one of the main arteries into the city centre.

This is good news which could see hundreds of jobs being created during the construction phase of the development as well as the creation of 250 affordable homes.

The developer was awarded a £7m loan from the Welsh Assembly government on the proviso that hundreds of affordable homes would be included as part of the deal.

This was probably the boost which was needed to encourage the development of a site which will undoubtedly require some remedial work due to contamination.

It is hoped that the first homes could be built as early as next year.

This is another transformative project taking place in Newport. and One which will create new community in a central location which will contribute much to the city centre regeneration and revitalisation.

This is a project to be welcomed and will clear up a site which has been an eyesore for far too long.