Plymouth's plans to turn its city centre into one of the top 10 shopping centres as well as one of the greenest has been given a huge boost after the Government's planning inspector declared the plan sound.

The City Centre and University Area Action Plan now looks set to form the framework for development for the next 20 years and seals the city’s role as a regional shopping destination as well as serve the needs of an expanding population and attract investment.

Land mark buildings, a new department store and areas for culture, learning, shops, homes and offices are all part of a package to galvanise the local economy and bring more people and spending power into the heart of Plymouth.

The inspector supported the plan's view that more intensive commercial development is needed within the city centre and its proposal to redevelop and intensify existing key sites.

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He applauded the Council's plan to ensure that development is not at the expense of the unique heritage of the Abercrombie Plan with its street pattern and landmark buildings.

The inspector suggested that, where possible, the council should aim to provide at least 30 per cent affordable housing on sites of 15 dwellings or more, although he accepted that flexibility was needed.

He praised the council and the key partners who contributed to the plan for thinking about the future and how the city centre can play its part to tackle climate change and embrace new technology. He said: "Much to its credit, the Council has been proactive in considering how the Government's drive towards achieving zero carbon development can be met within the area covered by the AAP."

The green light from the planning inspector follows months of public consultation, talking to landlords, developers, retailers as well as the University of Plymouth and Plymouth College of Art and others to create a big picture of how they want to see the city centre develop.

Already some of the ideas are now being turned into reality. A planning application has just been submitted for a major new marine research centre on the university site and planning permission has now been given for a major redevelopment of the Plymouth College of Art and Design.

(CD/GK)