News: Pickles' praise for Enterprise Zone

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between councils from across the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone which will make planning simpler and more business friendly.

The document sets out a unified approach to planning across all designated Enterprise Zone sites. These include a number of key employment sites in Rotherham such as areas of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and Templeborough.

Councils will prioritise planning applications within the Enterprise Zone and offer pre-application advice, giving potential investors certainty and quick decisions through a simplified and streamlined planning process.

Local Development Orders (LDOs) are also being drafted that set out the types of developments which can take place without the need for planning permission to be obtained from the local planning authority.

The LDO grants conditional planning permission for certain uses which meet the specific advanced engineering and technology criteria.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said: "Local business and private sector commerce are key to turning the wheels of our economy and creating the jobs this country needs. This agreement between Sheffield City Region's councils to work closer together will only strengthen the city's appeal to investors.

"Enterprise Zones are set to become the crown jewels of how we make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business and Sheffield City Region will be at the heart of that."

The zone has found early success with manufacturers X:Cel Superturn and advanced technology firm, Sarclad taking space on the AMP in Rotherham.

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "The LEP is working closely with businesses and councils from across the City Region to attract new investments and jobs to the Enterprise Zone.

"The vision for our Enterprise Zone is to build on Sheffield City Region's significant credentials and strengths in advanced manufacturing and materials to develop a Modern Manufacturing and Technology Growth Area.

"This clearly shows that Local Authorities in the City Region are signed up to the vision. Our simplified and unified approach to planning will make the Sheffield City Region an even more attractive location for investors."

Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone website

Images: AMRC