CABE has published a plan to ensure that the government’s proposed Business Planning Zones (BPZs) do not become “No Planning Zones”.
BPZs will have a more flexible planning regime for businesses, which will be freed from the need to apply for planning permission in many instances.
The plan aims to stop BPZs from being abused by what CABE calls “two-bit developers”.
CABE’s plan includes the following principles:
- making sure that BPZs are integrated into a wider economic and spatial strategy within the region
- requiring a masterplan, a design code and a “robust system of decision-making” for BPZs, on the basis of clear criteria
- acknowledging the need for dedicated resources and upfront investment to prepare, implement and manage BPZs
- ensuring that BPZs are sustainable, encouraging an appropriate mix of uses, good public transport, pedestrian use and sustainable approaches to construction
- developing a strong marketable image for BPZ sites through good quality architecture, including gateways, landmarks and public art
- establishing a long-term strategy for management of BPZ sites, with clear responsibilities for maintenance
The BPZ proposals were opposed by CABE until the government enshrined them in the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Bill.
But Jon Rouse, CABE’s chief executive, said that the organisation wishes to work with the government to ensure that BPZs are more successful than were Enterprise Zones, which CABE considers to have failed.
Speaking at MIPIM, Rouse said: “For too long we have seen the development of poorly designed business parks – bulky sheds on the outskirts of the city that are only accessible by car.
“The aim for BPZs should be the creation of high quality environments that will be attractive to investment, moving away from the model of a car-dominated, mono-use environment, with poor accessibility and little viability.”
References: EGi News 05/03/03
