Setting up an R&D facility, a new European headquarters or expanding your current UK premises? New measures are simplifying the planning process and improving business access to the UK.

Confidence is crucial when applying to develop a business facility: clearly firms don’t want to waste time and money on unsuccessful applications.

In light of this, the UK provides a plan-led system – setting out what type of facilities businesses can build and where – to offer a high level of certainty for development proposals from the outset.

But not wanting to be complacent, the UK Government has targeted the development of an even more transparent, predictable and effective planning procedure.

Committed to improvement

Extra funding has already gone into speeding up decision-making for planning applications: 70 per cent of local authorities are now on target for a 13-week turnaround on major applications.

70 per cent of local authorities are now on target for a 13-week turnaround on major [planning] applications.

Government commitment was further demonstrated through the recently published Barker Review of Land Use Planning, looking at ways the planning process could be enhanced to optimise economic growth.

Another recent review, the Eddington Transport Study, looked at how the UK transport infrastructure could help support business development.

Business-friendly balance

The UK’s Local Development Frameworks for planning balance economic, social and environmental objectives – seen as vital to maintaining the UK’s high quality business and lifestyle environment – but with significant emphasis given to business needs.

As a result, of the 150,000 business planning applications made each year, 80 per cent are approved.

The next step is a white paper, due this year, which will give business and the public the opportunity to have their say on proposals to improve the planning system".

Putting planning into action

One example of efficiency in planning is London’s 2012 Olympic development, which will transform an area of east London into a world-class model of urban regeneration.

David Higgins, chief executive officer of the Olympic Delivery Authority, has called the Games “a sporting overlay for the biggest regeneration project in Europe”.

The 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in London can be viewed as a sporting overlay for the biggest regeneration project in Europe.

David Higgins
Chief executive officer

Olympic Delivery Authority

A revised planning application for the Olympic complex was submitted earlier this year and despite being one of the most complex proposals ever prepared in the UK, the process should be completed by the end of the year.

Other works in progress include the multi-purpose Silvertown Quays development in London’s Docklands and the £5.5 billion, 150-acre Liverpool Waters scheme, which includes a new cruise liner terminal and a monorail.

International gateway

But improving access for business isn’t just about bricks and mortar for new operations.

The 2006 Eddington Transport Study emphasised the economic significance of international gateways – and the need for a world-class transport infrastructure to match.

The Government’s response will be to develop airport operations across the UK, with additional infrastructure at Heathrow and in Edinburgh.

And recognising the importance of the sea trade to UK businesses – 90% of the UK’s cargo is still brought into the UK by sea – there are plans to enlarge several deep sea container port facilities.

Felixstowe in Suffolk and London Gateway are two of the ports earmarked for expansion.

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