Legacy of the Olympics: A computer generated image of how the neighbourhoods could look in the future

Creation of thousands of new homes and jobs on the post-Olympic site at Stratford has been formally approved by Games planning chiefs.

Agreement of the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Planning Committee after three years of intensive work

means that the Legacy Corporation, who are take over the site, can develop its first of five neighbourhoods at Chobham Manor after the athletes have left with the first family homes ready at the end of 2014.

The scheme covers 64 hectares of what will be named Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - about a quarter of the entire site which promises 6,800 new homes, schools, nurseries, community spaces and health centres.

The plans also set out more than half of the 8,000 permanent jobs which are anticipated to be created on the Park over a 20 year period, from when it begins to reopen in July, 2013.

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said the decision represents “a giant step forward for east London’s future.”

He added: “We can now realise the vision of creating a new piece of the city that will transform people’s lives with new opportunities.”

Daniel Moylan, Chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said the now approved planning application is for one of the most important regeneration projects in the London’s history.

“These five neighbourhoods will stitch together the surrounding communities of a formerly isolated area through new homes, schools, shops, parks, infrastructure and jobs,” he added.

“London is already further ahead in planning legacy than any previous Host Olympic City and now, after three years of intensive planning, we can begin to build the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s first neighbourhood once the 2012 Games finish.”

A public vote helped to decide the names of the five new neighbourhoods of Chobham Manor, East Wick, Sweetwater, Marshgate Wharf and Pudding Mill.

They will sit alongside facilities including sporting venues, waterways, cultural attractions and open spaces.