LONG-awaited plans for redevelopment at the Luneside East site in Lancaster took a step forward this week.

The Northwest development agency is applying to Lancaster City Council for outline planning permission to build an 'urban village' with up to 350 residential units and 8,000 sq metres of business floorspace and ancillary leisure and other 'support uses'.

The application comes after three years of preparatory work and detailed consultation, with the views of local people being expressed as part of the plan.

NWDA chief executive Mike Shields said: "This is a major development proposal for a complex site which is largely in private ownership with large areas of vacant and derelict land.

"The intended development will be innovative and of high quality meeting many of the objectives set out in the regional strategy.

"The development is aimed at creating a vibrant place, well connected with surrounding neighbourhoods, in which a wide range of people will wish to live and work."