Plan for 700 new homes unveiled

Hundreds of new homes could be built on the site of a former hospital in Derby.

Derby City Council has earmarked the Manor Kingsway site near the A38 in the Littleover area for 700 new homes by 2014.

The development includes 200 key worker homes for staff at the new hospital, a business park, open space and a Park and Ride scheme.

Officials rejected suggestions the area should be left open and said the plan would boost the city's economy.

They said the development was designed to be locally sustainable with many residents working nearby and having access to local amenities.

Ranjit Banwait, from the city council, added: "We are putting this massive space to use for a very important reason which is the development of the city."

The development is in three phases with the first, the building of infrastructure such as roads and works access, taking place in the coming year.