Today one of the most significant early milestones on the road to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was passed – when the city council's planning committee approved proposals for the scheme that will act as the Village for athletes.

The planning application, for the residential element of the Commonwealth Games Village, will see 1,400 much-needed new homes built in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham – an area long identified as in need of regeneration and investment. These properties will be used during games time to house around 6,500 athletes and officials during the games.