Green light for Olympic Park plan

Work has already begun on the site

Planning applications for the Olympic Park in east London have been given the green light by planners.

The Olympic Development Authority (ODA) said it was a significant step towards creating one of the largest new urban parks in Europe for 150 years.

The 10,000-page document outlined plans for new sports venues, roads and parks and details of what will happen after the 2012 Games.

Government approval must now be sought before planning permission is granted.

The ODA's planning committee, which includes councillors from the four boroughs in the Olympic Park and externally appointed independent members, recommended the plans for approval on Tuesday.

These recommendations will now go to the Government Office for London (GOL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) for approval before permission for the applications is granted.

David Higgins, of the ODA, said the plans were the "backbone of our vision to create a world-class Olympic Park and a benchmark 21st Century urban environment".

He said there would be further consultation on planning applications for individual venues and on the legacy master plan.

Mr Higgins added: "We are firmly on track and exactly where we planned to be at this stage of the project."