Post 2012: Development plans submitted

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON -- Olympic planners submitted their proposal Wednesday to develop the 2012 London Games site with 10,000 new homes as well as parks, shops and schools after the world's top athletes go home.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company's 5,000-page planning application outlines how Olympic Park could be transformed into five new neighbourhoods. The company had outlined its ideas for the 64 hectares of the east London Olympic venue earlier, but Wednesday's application offers a more detailed vision for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park development.

The company's chief executive, Andrew Altman, says the five neighbourhoods "will stitch together the surrounding communities" with parks, shops and schools.

The plans include plazas, canal paths, roof gardens and cycle paths, including 29 playgrounds. The neighbourhoods will sit beside the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Center and the ArcelorMittal Orbit -- the new landmarks of a post-London games.

London Mayor Boris Johnson described the proposal as an important step "that will revolutionize the face of East London."

"It will be the most important regeneration project that the city has seen in 25 years," Johnson said.

The submission triggers a 28-day consultation period. The company hopes to get permission for the development before the games begin next July 27.