Further community consultation on Olympic Park planning applications

The Olympic and Legacy Transformation Planning Applications were submitted to the Planning Decisions Team (PDT) in Stratford on Monday 5 February 2007, which prompted a five week-long community consultation in February and March.

The PDT has studied the applications and as a result of this initial work, feedback from the local community in the first public consultation and additional suggestions from the ODA, there have been some changes to the plans and some additional environmental information submitted.

This includes the slight reconfiguration of bridges and some highway sections to improve the connectivity of the site and some changes to the land levels to better suit existing topography.

The PDT has also requested additional information from the ODA on issues such as the Biodiversity Action Plan and the revised Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) which details measures to minimise noise, vibration and dust during construction.

The PDT will start another month of consultation to ensure that people from the surrounding areas can have their say on the proposed changes and additional information available.

Vivienne Ramsey, head of the ODA Planning Decisions Team (PDT) said: "This is another chance for local residents and community groups to have their say on the plans which will help transform this part of London. The planning applications reflect the size, scale and scope of this project so it is important that we do all we can to make sure local communities understand the changes and can ask questions and give feedback."

The second phase of consultation will see another set of leaflets explaining the applications delivered to 195,000 homes and community facilities within 2.5 miles of the centre of Olympic Park. The ODA will also hold a three day drop-in surgery in Stratford so that people can ask any questions in person and there will be copies of the applications in local libraries and council planning offices.

The public can also view the plans both online and in the PDT's office in Stratford, which acts as a drop-in centre for anyone requiring information on any of the planning issues relating to the Olympic Park.

This consultation will conclude on 15 June and the PDT will then consider the additional information and feedback before making recommendations to the ODA's planning committee. A decision is expected later this year.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The Government gave the Olympic Delivery Authority planning powers so that planning decisions within the Olympic Park area are decided by one dedicated planning.

2. The drop-in surgeries will be held between 17-19 May at the Stratford Circus building. Details are available from the PDT on 020 8430 6020

Details of planning applications submitted, planning decisions and dates of meetings can be accessed at www.london2012.com/planning or at the ODA Planning Reception office at 11a Burford Road, Stratford. The office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. No appointment is necessary.