ALMOST 6,000 new homes will be needed in Newport by the year 2011 to meet local demand, the city council's development plan says.

And the plan shaping Newport's future took a significant step forward as the public are given their chance to have a say.

Revisions have been made to the city's unitary development plan following the closure of Llanwern steelworks and the setting up of Wales' first regeneration company, Newport Unlimited.

Now the changes have been published for public consultation. Councillor John Jenkins, cabinet member for development and employment, said: "The future for the city looks encouraging and we are keen to continue to promote its regeneration.

"Although it has faced many challenges recently, the Newport economy remains buoyant and the plan provides significant opportunities for growth, both on regeneration and greenfield sites.

"It is essential that the public are involved in looking at the work being developed and are given the opportunity to have a say."

Urban regeneration is a key theme of the plan and new sites have been identified for sustainable development, including the Whitehead works on Mendalgief Road, and the former Pirelli factory, off Corporation Road.

The 240 acres being vacated by Corus will provide a mixed-use site, as well as a route between the Southern Distributor Road at Newport Retail Park, and the M4 at Magor. Land to the north of the former steelworks can also be developed and is allocated as part of an overall expansion area providing for jobs, home, leisure and other facilities, including a railway station.

It is anticipated that 5,700 new homes will be needed between now and 2011, mainly to meet local needs.

And it is believed the provision of new jobs and homes will help sustain improvements planned for the city centre by increasing spending power in the area. Newport Unlimited is commissioning consultants to prepare masterplans for the city centre and the eastern expansion area.

Copies of the revisions to the UDP can be viewed at the civic centre or any of the city's libraries. Comments must be submitted to the council by 5pm on Monday, July 14. Further information can be found on the council's website www.newport.gov.uk.