Wirral's enterprise zone will be exempt from planning permission

Apr 6 2011

LOCAL people will be stripped of the power to object to developments in Wirral’s new "enterprise zone.

A "local development order" (LDO) will be introduced that will mean almost all planning applications at Wirral Waters will no longer need the go-ahead from local councillors.

Only applications affecting wildlife spots and listed buildings will still undergo the normal scrutiny, under the shift to "fast-track planning".

The move follows frustration that the planning system is an "impediment to growth". Business Secretary Vince Cable has attacked "perfectly reasonable developments being thwarted by bizarre planning rules".

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has spoken out against attempts to force through planning bids that "go against the wishes of local residents".

The group points out the Government has boasted of its commitment to "localism", describing it as "giving neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live".

The row blew up as Communities Secretary Eric Pickles prepared to host an "enterprise zone summit", in London, bringing together leaders of the first 11 zones, to swap ideas.

Among the 11 is the zone announced for the Wirral Waters development and Peel’s £5.5bn plans for Liverpool’s rundown northern docklands.

Alan Evans, strategic policy manager at Wirral Council and Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, are due to meet Mr Pickles today and hold discussions with other zone sponsors.

Alongside fast-track planning, companies moving into the enterprise zone will enjoy business rate relief capped at £55,000 per year for up to five years.

Local authorities will retain the receipts from business rate growth for at least 25 years – but there will be no up-front cash to buy up land, or put in vital infrastructure.

Little-known LDOs were introduced as long ago as 2004, but few are in place because they are viewed as complex and likely to stir up controversy.

At present, town halls decide whether to bring in the measure, but – crucially – local authorities handed an enterprise zone will have no option but to act.