National regeneration agency English Partnerships has revealed that it has invited developers to put forward proposals to build 300 well-designed new homes and community facilities in the West Midlands.

The news that the 9.6 hectare site at the former Silverdale Colliery in Newcastle-under-Lyme will be developed means that there could be and an increased demand for local workers who have undertaken gas training courses or plastering training.

Under the plans, the new homes will form a high-quality urban extension to Silverdale village.

The project calls for housing that is suitable for families and 25 per cent of the new properties will be affordable.

The successful developer will have to deliver homes which meet English Partnerships' quality standards for construction, meaning that properly trained and qualified plumbers, gas engineers and plasterers could be employed.

Peter Murray, English Partnerships' area director, commented: "The regeneration of Silverdale Colliery represents a fantastic opportunity to create a high-quality new residential environment with significant amenities for local residents."

Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: "The new homes and new residents will strengthen the existing village, while the new country park will be a wonderful amenity for the whole of north Staffordshire."