PLANNING rules for Evesham’s Vale Park could be relaxed to help boost the town’s economy after council chiefs backed plans for a consultation.
With the Government pushing for a more simplified planning system, Wychavon District Council is proposing businesses already on the key employment site or businesses looking to relocate to the park will be able to expand their premises without the need for planning permission.
It’s hoped The Local Development Order, which would last for five years if implemented, would help the Vale Park to thrive even further and help businesses to create more jobs.
The planning tool would allow offices and industrial units already on the park to expand by up to 1000sqm without planning permission, and new buildings up to 2000sqm on unused land could also be built without permission. But firms would still have to notify planning officers that they are planning to carry out the work.
The development order was debated by councillors on Wychavon’s Planning Committee last Thursday (March 31) where planners unanimously backed the proposals.
And if the Local Development Order gains the approval of the council’s Executive Board, a six week public consultation will then be launched on Monday, April 18 to give Evesham residents their say on the plans.
Speaking at the meeting, Coun Jo Sandalls, who represents Evesham North on Wychavon District Council, said: “I think this is a great step forward for the district.
“Hopefully with all the new houses that are being built this development will help to create employment and encourage people, not only to work here, but to live here as well.”
