London 2012 - Olympic Park planning body opens public office

All planning applications relating to the Olympic Park area are determined by the Olympic Delivery Authority Planning Committee, which held its inaugural meeting in September 2006.

David Higgins, ODA Chief Executive, today officially opened the office door for the first time with Lorraine Baldry, Chairman of the ODA Planning Committee.

David Higgins said:
"It is vital that planning for the new Olympic Park is done in partnership with the local communities who will continue to use it after 2012.

"The public planning office will act as a drop-in centre where the public can ask questions and request information on any of the planning issues relating to the Olympic Park."

Lorraine Baldry said:

"It is important that local people know how they can engage with the Committee and I urge them to drop in at the new planning decisions office in Stratford and talk to one of the team about any questions they may have."

The ODA will be undertaking proactive public consultation on new planning applications which will include exhibitions, sending out information to homes and businesses in the area, making copies of the applications available to view at their public office, local libraries and on line and providing information or briefings for local organizations where appropriate.

The Office will be staffed by members of the Planning Decisions Team (PDT) who are responsible for processing all applications related to the area and work directly for the Planning Committee. The office will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. No appointment is necessary.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The Government gave the Olympic Delivery Authority the power to set up the ODA Planning Committee so that planning decisions within the Olympic Park area are decided by one dedicated planning team, to help ensure the venues and infrastructure for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are delivered on time.

2. The Committee's powers cover a strict geographical area around the Olympic Park which includes parts of the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney and Waltham Forest.

3. Details of planning applications submitted, planning decisions and dates of meetings can be accessed at www.london2012.com or at the new office in Stratford.

4. For further information on the Committee and its powers log on to www.london2012.com/planning

5. Images of the members of the ODA Planning Committee are available from the ODA Press Office.

Media Enquiries

Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700.