AMBITIOUS plans for the future regeneration of Newport passed an important test after the blueprint for decades of development and expansion received an official thumbs up.

Over a six-month period, independent inspector Robert Yuille held a public inquiry into the city council's unitary development plan, hearing from both the authority and many objectors.

While he did not find in favour of all the council's proposals - for example, he was against plans for a new hospital on the former Whiteheads site and the Duffryn link to the Southern Distributor Road - the authority appeared to have much to celebrate.

One of the key projects to get his approval was the major expansion to the east of Newport on the redundant parts of Llanwern steelworks and green field land to the north of the site.

Mr Yuille welcomed this as "a sustainable form of development" and did not agree with alternative sites put forward by objectors which would lead to pockets of greenfield development around the city.

He also endorsed the council's policy of regenerating brownfield sites around the city, particularly along the banks of the Usk.

Mr Yuille said he believed the plan had correctly placed regeneration at the heart of this strategy.

The council will now consider its responses to more than 290 recommendations made by the inspector.

Councillor Erryl Heath, cabinet member for development and employment, said: "It is pleasing that the inspector agrees with our 21st century vision to see Newport expand bringing more jobs, homes and prosperity."

Councillor Miqdad Al Nuaimi, chairman of planning, added the key proposals of the UDP had passed a major test of public scrutiny with flying colours.

Graham Moore, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, said: "We are delighted that the inspector has endorsed the regeneration strategies for Newport, which have been developed to improve not just the quality of life for the people of Newport but enhance the employment opportunities for South East Wales."

The findings of the independent inspector included the following: growth strategy supported plans for housing on derelict land at Llanwern green belt between Cardiff and Newport to be maintained new hospital site at Whiteheads not to be included new development on brownfield sites alongside the Usk supported proposed Duffryn Link to Southern Distributor Road rejected.