Planning17 Jan 2014 14:24
light news:-
http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1227267/collaboration-key-development-success
Local authorities are under significant pressure to support the delivery of economic growth in an age of increasing austerity. Our experience as a developer is that a number of authorities have geared up well to tackle it - none more so than Bolton Council.
Harworth Estates put forward planning applications for our Logistics North development at the former Cutacre opencast coal mine site in August 2013. This scheme will provide nearly four million square feet of distribution and manufacturing space on a 250-acre site along with a 550-acre country park for the benefit of the local community. One of the largest schemes of its type, its size meant it fell within the boundaries of three local authorities - Bolton, Salford and Wigan - so its determination was not straightforward.
Back in 2009, when Harworth (then owned by UK Coal) began discussing the regeneration of the site, there were significant objections from local people, who wished the site to become wholly a country park.
As lead authority, Bolton Council consistently demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to development in its engagement with Harworth. It did not waver from its belief that the site should be regenerated into not just a country park but a distribution hub that would bring investment of £200 million and real economic benefits to the region, particularly jobs.
Bolton Council delivered a core strategy allocation, effectively steered a development crossing three local authorities and pro-actively addressed technical matters associated with large-scale development of a former colliery. In partnership with the council, Harworth engaged with local communities and stakeholders to understand and address all issues. As a result, when Harworth submitted the application in August this year, there were only seven objections.
A Planning Performance Agreement, signed in the middle of August by Bolton and Salford Councils with the close engagement of Wigan Council, helped to achieve resolutions to grant planning permission for the complex scheme within just 15 weeks.
While the economic recovery may be slow, it will undoubtedly be accelerated by strong public sector leadership and active partnership with the private sector to deliver development. Bolton Council should be applauded for its commitment through the process.
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