Picturesque Forest of Bowland 'under threat' from investment zones and commercial development
The Conservative leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council has expressed caution about the government's new investment zones, over planning controls and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This month, various councils, counties and combined regional authorities were invited to submit expressions of interest in new investment zones, including Lancashire. Some fear the new zones could be developed in or near national parks. areas of outstanding natural beauty, sites of special scientific interest, such as bird sites linked to the RSPB or coastal locations, or green belt land.
As an organisation, Forest of Bowland AONB has a base at Dunsop Bridge, some staff, a shared partnership structure across different authorities and a joint advisory committee including councils, utility firms, landowners and managers, the RSPB and the Ramblers Association. It does not decide planning applications but it has officers for consultation.
TAX INCENTIVES, RATES RELIEF AND MINIMAL PLANNING Tax, business rates and planning incentives are central components of investment zones and freeports. A recent Westminster government fact sheet states: "Investment zones will drive growth and unlock housing across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment.
In recent years, councils have had to collect business rates at levels set by central government then send the cash to Westminster, for further redistribution. But the whole business rates system is controversial. Some critics want brand-new arrangements, re-evaluations of rateable values for shops and other commercial buildings, especially in the wake of workplace, town centre and high street changes, and new local council control.
Local councils wanting to take part need to demonstrate wider support and readiness, through a regional mayor-led combined authority or a county council. They had two weeks this month, October, to submit expressions of interest.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Empty shop challenge facing Ribble Valley as Christmas looms'What influence can we exert as a council?'
Read more »
New surgery unit to be built at Leicester General HospitalUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has plans for further developments.
Read more »