More than 500 new homes are set to be built in Stratford after development plans to revitalise the area were approved.

The council’s strategic development committee unanimously agreed to allow the Stratford Island development, which is being masterminded by the Catalyst Capital, to go ahead.

The company already runs the Stratford Centre and intends to create more space for shops and preserve the street market as well as provide 587 new homes.

These will be created in two blocks, one of 25 stories and another of 42 stories.

Andrew Turton, head of UK retail for Catalyst Capital, said: “We are delighted to have received support for our proposals to improve the Stratford Centre and surrounding area.”

Construction work is expected to begin next year.