Enterprise zones open to nurture new firms

Chiefs at Sheffield city region yesterday said their modern manufacturing and technology growth area is the second enterprise zone in Yorkshire to have special planning rules to grant expanding businesses automatic planning permission within a zone as long as their schemes meet specific objectives.

Leeds city region’s zone already has a similar order in place, with the two Humber zones now consulting over their proposals.

In total, 24 enterprise zones opened across the country yesterday, hoping to draw in expanding and start-up businesses with Government-funded tax breaks, investment in high-speed broadband and relaxed planning laws.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “We’ve planted these economic incubators all across the country to help accelerate growth, rebalance our economy with thousands of new businesses and local jobs in each location.

“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.”

Sheffield’s announcement of its planning order came just days after specialist manufacturer X:Cel Superturn said it will be opening a new factory within the zone.

Managing director Andrew Taylor described the decision as a “no-brainer” on Friday.

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield city region local enterprise partnership, said the relaxed planning regime agreed by all the local councils involved would be a major draw for expanding firms.

“This clearly shows that local authorities in the city region are signed up to the vision,” he said.

“Our simplified and unified approach to planning will make the Sheffield city region an even more attractive location for investors.”