REGENERATION plans that will shape the future of housing in part of the West End of Newcastle have been approved by city councillors.

Newcastle councillors backed recommendation for the demolition and retention of houses in Scotswood, at a cabinet meeting.

They followed a series of recommendations, which were previously agreed by a majority of residents who were surveyed in their homes.

The cabinet's decision marks a significant step forward in the city-wide regeneration strategy, Going for Growth, which proposes 20,000 new homes for the city by 2020.

Council leader Councillor Tony Flynn said: "This decision will be seen as a milestone in our efforts to make Newcastle a much more attractive place to live."