THE blueprint for building up to 13,200 new homes in Brighton and Hove by 2030 has finally been given the official rubber stamp of approval.

Government Inspector Laura Graham has found the city’s long-term plan to provide homes and jobs legally sound and compliant after five years of work on the document.

Miss Graham has published her final report on the City Plan and concluded it meets legal requirements following modifications agreed in recent years to develop more of the city’s green fringe spaces.

The plan will be used as the basis for the council’s decision making process on planning decisions and gives the city greater control of the scale and location of future housebuilding.

The new home numbers are well below the expected housing demand up to 2030 of 30,000 but the inspector has acknowledged the city has significant restrictions on the amount of land available for development.

The Inspector’s report will be considered by councillors at the policy and resources committee on March 17 with a final vote on whether to adopt the plan to be held at a full council a week later.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of the city’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “A key milestone has been reached with the City Plan Part 1.

“I am pleased that the Inspector’s report recognises the significant land supply constraints we face in meeting housing needs in full.

“The plan has taken time to develop and we have had some demanding challenges along the way.

“When adopted the City Plan will give communities more certainty about how the city will grow and develop.”