LLEP welcomes change to planning regulations
LEICESTER and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) has welcomed the changes to housing and planning regulations announced by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s landmark ‘new deal’ speech set out key goals around homebuilding to help get the UK construction industry moving quickly post-coronavirus.
Mr Johnson alluded to changes in planning regulations, to allow local leaders to “take control” of their area’s development.
Mr Jenrick’s letter to the LLEP, received on the same day, further elaborates on this proposal, with details on changing the use of commercial and public buildings; regenerating vacant and redundant buildings; increasing home building and ownership; and empowering local leaders to make independent planning decisions.
The public’s spending habits have changed significantly over the first half of 2020, with internet sales as a percentage of total UK retail spending rising from 18.9% in February to 32.8% in May.
Of particular interest is Mr Jenrick’s proposal to support SME homebuilders with £450m in loans; the LLEP is keen to ensure that construction sector SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire have the opportunity to benefit from this funding.
The LLEP will continue to work with both central government and local authorities, as they receive new powers to ‘level-up’ their ability to identify and initiate new building programmes.
Kevin Harris, chair of the LLEP board of directors, said: “This latest statement from central government is welcome, as we continue to strive to grow the economy of Leicester and Leicestershire. The LLEP has immense experience of supporting the delivery of successful building and infrastructure projects, through careful allocation of funding.
“We have an excellent track record with projects that can and do deliver the greatest benefit to our region’s economy. Success stories, including Friars Mill and Lubbesthorpe, are testament to this and I’m excited to see what the next chapter of development hold for Leicester and Leicestershire.”