Curry unveils East Thames Corridor plans

A new planning framework for the regeneration of the East Thames Corridor has been unveiled by urban regeneration minister David Curry.

The plans aim to encourage a wide mix of development in what is to be called the Thames Gateway and change the area's reputation as London's industrial backyard.

More than 4,000ha of land has been identified for redevelopment and more than 100,000 new homes are envisaged over the long term but there will be little new public money put into the area. Curry expects most of the redevelopment to be privately funded. Most of the Government money is going on œ4.5 billion of new road and rail infrastructure.

No money will be spent on clearing contaminated land ahead of redevelopment, but individual projects will be able to bid for derelict land grants through English Partnerships. Developers will also be able to bid for Government finance via the Single Regeneration Budget.

Curry emphasised that the guideline was not an economic blueprint, but indicated the balance of industry, housing and environmental protection the Government would like to see. However the guidelines will be binding and Government inspectors will use it as the basis for assessing any development applications.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England has criticised the strategy for being too loosely drawn, saying that the open ended approach would allow developers to cherry-pick environmentally sensitive sites in Kent and Essex.