Newport parents back community dance plans
Community organisation Urban Out Steppers has asked council officials for permission to change the use a unit at Nova Workshops into a new place for children and young people.
Parents have spoken out in support of plans to create a new community dance, education and youth development base in Newport.
Community organisation Urban Out Steppers has asked council officials for permission to change the use a unit at Nova Workshops into a new place for children and young people.
“Shortly after losing my father, who was my daughter’s grandfather, my daughter became very quiet, shy and withdrawn,” a mother has told planners at Telford & Wrekin Council.
She looked for a local dance class to help her daughter and found Urban Out Steppers and was welcomed “with open arms”.
“Since joining Urban Out Steppers, my daughter has gone from hiding behind her comfort toy to confidently performing on stage with her dance team,” the mum added.
“I firmly believe that Newport and the surrounding area would be significantly poorer without Urban Out Steppers and the opportunities it provides to local children and families.
“I respectfully ask that this application be supported so that this valuable community organisation can continue its important work for many years to come.”
Another parent, a father, writes: “My daughter attends this dance school and I’ve seen first-hand the incredibly positive impact it has on children and the wider community.
“I strongly believe the proposed will benefit both the dance school and the wider community, allowing it to continue growing and supporting local families for years to come.”
Chanelle Green, of Urban Out Steppers has told planners that it has been serving local children, young people and families for over 10 years.
“Whilst centred around dance and performing arts, the organisation provides significantly wider educational, social and well-being benefits, including support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), confidence building, mentoring, life skills development and youth engagement.”
The 1,233.00 sq m unit off Audley Avenue will provide a safe, inclusive and affordable environment for children and young people, the applicant writes.
They are planning structured activities, where they can develop new skills, build friendships and improve wellbeing.
Officials have also been told that the area’s significant residential growth in recent years has seen an increasing demand for activities and community facilities for young people.
It would operate mainly at evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Urban Out Steppers write in a submission to the council that it will enable the organisation to “expand the valuable work it has undertaken within Newport for the past decade, providing educational, recreational, social and wellbeing opportunities for children and young people whilst supporting community cohesion and inclusion.”
The land and property in question are solely owned by Telford and Wrekin Council.
Full details of the plans can be viewed with the reference TWC/2026/0607 on the council’s planning portal.
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star
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