Qatari Diar's masterplan for the multi-million pound transformation of London's Chelsea Barracks site has been given the green light by Westminster City Council (WCC).

The local authority's planning and city development committee has backed outline plans for a 12.8-acre (5.2-hectare) mixed-use scheme, which will feature a sports centre and housing. Public art; retail space; and a medical centre are also earmarked as part of the plans drawn up by Dixon Jones; Squire and Partners; and Kim Wilkie Associates.

The Grade II-listed former Garrison Chapel will also be retained to form a "beating heart" to the development, which will now be referred to mayor Boris Johnson for approval. Alastair Moss, chair of WCC's planning and city development committee, said: "Chelsea Barracks is the most significant residential development we have seen in Westminster in recent years.

"We should be proud of this scheme and the huge amount of effort put into it by all parties. The masterplan has widespread support among local residents, community groups and businesses." Project Blue, the property arm of Qatari Diar, will lead the scheme.