PLANS to regenerate a run-down area of Redcar took a step forward this week.

Outline planning permission has already been granted for the development of the Courts estate and Roseberry Square but Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council officials say the time has come to start making important decisions.

The council plans to demolish 214 houses on the 40-year-old estate to make way for a £35m development scheme of 560 houses with shopping and community facilities, landscaping and open space.

At a meeting of the Council's Executive, Acting Deputy Director of Housing and Direct Services Andy Powell said a decision not to re-let properties to start the process of emptying the estate had worked. Through 'natural turnover', occupancy levels had declined so that 45 per cent of the estate is now vacant.

At the meeting, councillors agreed to start rehousing the remaining 132 residents, ensure compensation payments were made and to start negotiations to acquire owner-occupied properties on the estate.

Coun Norman Davies said the remaining residents should be congratulated for living in difficult circumstances and council leader David Walsh said letters should be sent to all the tenants to explain what was going to happen.

The council is to recruit a development consultant who will oversee the scheme in consultation with the community and stakeholders. The Executive also agreed to appoint a housing developer for the estate to work with the council, Tees Valley Housing Association and the local community.

It will also be looking to meet other goals such as using local labour and developing training opportunities in the area.

The recommendations will be discussed at the next meeting of the council's Policy and Resources committee.