Plans for a mixed-use development in Leek, Staffordshire, are to move forward after the local authority said it will seek agreement over the proposed site.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) currently owns part of the Cornhill site but aims to sign a collaboration deal with the private sector firm that owns the majority of the land. Councillors have also agreed to spend £30,000 on property and legal advisors to secure SMDC's interest in the scheme, which is poised to include a hotel, restaurant and canal-side marina.

SMDC portfolio holder for regeneration Andrew Hart said: "Although current economic conditions have made it impossible for us to secure significant external funding from organisations such as Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency, we've still found a way to move forward with these plans."