Member Article

Tees Valley Local Development Orders get go-ahead

Six Local Development Orders, designed to benefit the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone have been given the green light by Central Government.

The simplified planning regimes mean local planning authorities can now adopt the plans with no interventions or amendments required.

The LDOs to support the development of the Enterprise Zone sites at Queen’s Meadow, Port Estates, Oakesway, Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park, Kirkleatham Business Park and Darlington’s Central Park, are the first in the country to get the go ahead from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Linda Edworthy, Tees Valley Unlimited Director of Policy and Strategy, said: “The LDOs grant pre-approved planning permission in line with key Enterprise Zone objectives, which critically saves time and money in the development process and will help make the sites attractive for investment.”

The Local Development Orders were subject to public consultation before Christmas, which the local authorities considered.

Linda continued: “Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Authorities and our key stakeholder partners including the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Health and Safety Executive and the Highways Agency worked incredibly hard to ensure that the plans offered the best possible benefit for the sites while at the same time protecting the surrounding environment and the local community.

“We are delighted with the approval from DCLG and see it as yet another significant milestone in
the successful delivery of the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone.”

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and
Economic Development, said; “The granting of the Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park LDO is a significant step forward in the creation of the Tees Valley’s innovative Enterprise Zone.

“A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to pave the way for the Enterprise Zone
which I am confident will attract much-needed investment and provide a major boost to new
businesses.

“The LDOs will help to speed up that process, it’s the kind of support the private sector needs and which will stand Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley in good stead for many years to come.”

Hartlepool Mayor, Stuart Drummond welcomed the news, saying it would stimulate long term investment and new jobs for the town, particularly across developing sectors including renewable energy and biotechnology.

The Tees Valley Enterprise Zone also offers business rate relief across eight sites and Enhanced Capital Allowances across an additional four to encourage investment and growth.

Going live from April 1, it is anticipated that the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone will support 61 businesses and create almost 1,200 jobs by 2015.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .