LAW firm Ward Hadaway played a role in the purchase of a key regeneration site on the banks of the Tyne.

The Newcastle-based firm advised national housebuilders Barratt and Persimmon on the acquisition of the 35-acre former Stella South power station site, near Blaydon.

A team from Ward Hadaway's property department worked with the housebuilders on securing the site and overcoming planning issues for the multi-million pound brownfield development scheme.

More than 500 homes, ranging from two-bedroomed apartments to five-bedroomed houses, as well as a pub/restaurant will be built on the land on the south bank of the Tyne.

Lesley Fairclough, partner in the property department at Ward Hadaway, led the firm's team on the deal.

She said: "This was a long-term project which we are delighted to see come to fruition.

"There are a number of conditions attached to the planning permission for the site, including putting in a new bus route to link the development to Blaydon bus station.

"However, all these will be successfully fulfilled to help create what will hopefully be a vibrant new community on the banks of the Tyne."