The finishing line for planning for one of Europe's biggest regeneration projects is in sight, with a visit by the Secretary of State's Planning Inspector on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September 2009.

Two years of extensive consultation between residents and council has resulted in the outline for the Aylesbury's regeneration - the Area Action Plan - and this official hearing, called an Examination in Public (EIP), means the £2.5 billion redevelopment of the entire estate will be a step closer.

The Inspector will listen to the council's case for this ambitious regeneration programme, as well as the views of people who put forward concerns about the Plan. The Inspector will then weigh up the views and decide early next year whether it will be approved by the Government.

-- Advertisement --

The Plan is supported by 82% of the residents who attended the final exhibition of the plans for the area, and aims to create a strong and vibrant community, living in high quality homes and enjoying great streets, parks and open spaces, excellent public transport and a wide range of facilities.

Councillor Paul Noblet, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "We've worked really hard to meet the Plan’s demanding rules to get to this stage. We have cemented excellent relationships with Aylesbury residents by proving that we were really listening to their ideas and changing the Plan accordingly.

"The Aylesbury regeneration programme recently received a cash boost from the Homes and Communities Agency. Southwark is the only authority in London that will receive a share of £1.7billion to help deliver new homes across the country under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI)."

(CD/KMcA)