Council plans to renew its Local Development Order

A successful scheme which allows businesses to build and expand premises without the need to make a planning application looks set to be renewed.

As part of its commitment to supporting business growth in the district, Wyre Forest District Council is planning to renew its Local Development Order (LDO). The LDO enables businesses to build and expand premises without the need to make a planning application, thereby reducing costs and processes for businesses wishing to invest. The LDO covers the area known as the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park – Worcester Road/Stourport Road – and was first introduced in 2012 and renewed in 2015.

The council’s Cabinet is proposing to extend the order for a further three years.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said:
“The LDO has been very popular and has encouraged businesses such as SpecSavers and Beakbane to invest in expanding their premises. There are still some vacant sites on Silverwoods and elsewhere in the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park area that we want to encourage new investment to generate new employment opportunities and we think the LDO can help to do that.”

He added: “Since we introduced the LDO back in 2012 we estimate that it has been responsible for £25m of investment in the district and has helped to create or safeguard over 200 jobs which is a considerable contribution to our local economy.”

The proposal to extend the LDO is being considered by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on Thursday 5 July before Cabinet meets on Tuesday 17 July to make the final decision.  The Cabinet meeting will start at 6pm and will be webcast. It can be viewed at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast