Plymouth's plan to shape development around Sutton Harbour has been declared sound by a Government planning inspector.

The Sutton Harbour Area Action Plan sets out how sites in the Barbican, Bretonside and Coxside can be sensitively developed and improved in a manner that will secure its historic identity and make the most of its location.

The plan sets out policies and proposals to balance the need for economic investment and tourism with protecting its historic environment and meeting the needs of the local community.

It is part of the Council's Local Development Framework - the overall guide to the planning and development in Plymouth until 2021 and beyond and the inspection follows extensive consultation with a wide range of people including residents, local businesses and landowners.

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The inspector said the plan was founded on a "robust and credible evidence base".

He said: "The plan aims to provide new housing in the context of regenerating historic parts of the city. The implementation of the policies/proposals will achieve high quality, well-designed housing built to a high design and environmental standards; there will be a large supply and a good mix of open market and affordable dwellings; those dwellings will be built close to the city centre with good access by public transport to employment, community and shopping facilities.

"Importantly, it is expected that the Area Action Plan will deliver over 1,800 dwellings as well as 103,400 square metres of employment floor space and 28,050 sq m of retail floor space, by 2021, all of which will be on previously developed land."

(CD/JM)