Planning has been approved for the development of a new sustainable neighbourhood in the heart of a Hampshire port city.

Portsmouth City Council approved planning permission for the ‘City Centre North’ masterplan put forward by Leslie Jones Architecture.

Plans include a new city centre neighbourhood, designed to prioritise the community, encourage biodiversity and promote sustainable travel.

With over 1,700 new homes and 30,00m2 of commercial, leisure and community space to create an interconnected centre.

A 2.5-hectare park will connect the new neighbourhood to existing communities through living streets and shared gardens, with a number of outdoor activity areas and green spaces.

“The goal is to make the project one of the UK’s most sustainable city districts,” says Brian Tracey, director, Leslie Jones Architecture.

Detailed permission has been granted for the first phase of 550 residential units.