Tees Valley Enterprise Zone local development orders first to get sign-off from Pickles

Local development orders for the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone have been given the go-ahead by the Communities Secretary.

The simplified planning regimes are the first of their kind in the country to be approved by Eric Pickles. The decision means that local planning authorities can adopt the plans with no interventions or amendments required.

Six LDOs were put forward to support the development of Enterprise Zone sites at Queen’s Meadow, Port Estates, Oakesway, Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park, Kirkleatham Business Park and Darlington’s Central Park.

The orders were the subject of consultation before Christmas 2011.

Linda Edworthy, Director of Policy and Strategy at Tees Valley Unlimited, 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 Tees Valley Enterprise Zone, which goes live on 1 April, will also offer business rate relief across eight sites and Enhanced Capital Allowances across an additional four to encourage investment and growth.

Enterprise Zone sites at Belasis Hall Technology Park, PD Ports/South Bank Wharf, Wilton, New Energy and Technology Park, St Hilda's and NORTHSHORE will be managed by planning performance agreements. These are designed to establish a partnership framework and management programme for dealing with a development proposal.