Construction on over 750 new homes on a derelict site next to the Thames Barrier has moved a step closer, after the London Borough of Newham granted outline planning consent to the London Deveopment Agency's (LDA) Thames Barrier East proposals.

Barrier Park East will provide much needed new homes in east London, next to the award-winning Thames Barrier Park and the Tradewinds complex. The mixed-use development includes commercial and retail space, new public open space and play area - with over 370 affordable homes and over 130 three- and four-bedroom homes for families.

The development will be built to high environmental standards, with all homes reaching level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. A combined heat and power system will generate power on site - and cut CO2 emissions by a typical 20%. Storage tanks will capture rainwater to irrigate onsite landscaped areas. Over a fifth of the site will be new public realm space. The site will be developed by Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey, who have worked together with the award-winning architects Allies and Morrison, to create a new neighbourhood which defines the edge of Barrier Park.

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LDA Chief Executive Peter Rogers said: "Thames Gateway holds the key to London's future success. Barrier Park East is part of the drive to build new, environmentally-friendly homes that Londoners need. We look forward to seeing a vibrant, sustainable community thrive on this former industrial site."

After getting outline planning consent from LB Newham, the next stage in the process is to present detailed designs and agree specific community benefits for the development. These detailed plans are expected to be considered later this year. If agreement is reached, this could allow construction to start before the end of 2009. It is expected to take around five years of construction to complete the development.

(CD/JM)