NATIONAL regeneration bosses have praised a design plan for the Whitefield area of Nelson, saying it will help drive regeneration.

The Enquiry by Design plans -unveiled in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last week - will lead to new house-building, the transformation of existing housing and the renovation of historic mill buildings and could lead to up to £20million investment over the first five years.

The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment has worked with partners, including Elevate East Lancashire, the national regeneration agency English Partnerships, Pendle Borough Council, English Heritage and the North West Development Agency, on the plan to overhaul the run-down Nelson ward.

And heads from those groups have all given their backing to the proposals.

Last month the groups spent a week working with members of the local community to draw up plans for how a future Whitefield should look.

Key elements of the proposed plan include revamping homes, building new ones, converting old mills, transforming Every Street into a shopping boulevard and creating a canal waterfront with a new main square.

Henry Owen-John, English Heritage regional director for the North West, said: "The Prince's Foundation deserves great credit for successfully bringing the community in Whitefield together with a wide range of partners who are working together to make the most of this Victorian town's historic character, while providing much-needed employment facilities, open spaces and improved access.

"English Heritage is delighted that this historic character will help to drive much-needed regeneration."

Diane Goodwin, senior regeneration manager with English Partnerships, added: "This plan will result in new and improved homes, job creation and community facilities - the key elements of a successful, sustainable community.

"We will encourage local people to stay involved throughout the regeneration process."

Paul Murrain, senior design director of The Prince's Foundation said: "The Whitefield masterplan has proved that when all the relevant housing market renewal partners work together, the problem of housing market failure can be addressed more creatively and the re-use of existing buildings can be a viable alternative to demolition."

Coun Alan Davies, leader of Pendle Council said: "We have worked long and hard with a range of partners and local people to find exciting solutions for Whitefield which will respect its heritage and provide a better quality of life for residents."