Planning powers transferred to North East Mayoral Development Corporations

Planning powers have officially transferred to Mayoral Development Corporations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough today (1 June).

Legislation was officially laid before Parliament for the towns’ respective Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) in February. Now the two MDCs have received powers to act as the determining authorities for planning applications submitted in the areas bound by the Development Corporations.

The move gives the Corporations more clout to drive investment and cut red tape while retaining safeguards for both Hartlepool Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council over future developments.

Both the Mayoral Development Corporations are working closely with both Local Authorities to finalise the types of applications the Development Corporations determine, and those which are to remain with the Councils shortly.

Moves to set up Hartlepool MDC were unanimously backed at a Full Council meeting in February with the principle of a list of assets transferring to the Development Corporation and the constitution supported.

A pledge has also been made by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen that neither Middlesbrough, nor Hartlepool Borough Councils’ financial plans will be adversely affected in any way by the activities of the Corporations.

Mayor Houchen said: “We will make huge changes to Middlesbrough and Hartlepool by cutting red tape and boosting investment while keeping a hand on the tiller when it comes to ensuring development truly comes to fruition.

“By taking on these planning powers, the Corporations now have the means to really transform the hearts of both Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. We’re working very closely with both Local Authorities to ensure we bring what we all want to achieve.

“We want to see Hartlepool grow as a cultural capital of the north, and we have great ambitions to make Middlesbrough a place where people want to live, work and study. The sky really is the limit.”

Middlesbrough’s Development Corporation will focus on the town centre, Middlehaven and the Zetland Historic Quarter to tie them together more closely. It will also include crucial assets such as the Boho zone, Middlesbrough Station, the Northern School of Art, Centre Square, and Teesside University.

A consultation by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the asset owners in both MDCs is ongoing. The Secretary of State will have the final say over whether the assets should transfer to the respective MDCs.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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