Persistence pays off, according to Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership chairman Peter Pawsey.
He was commenting on the latest leap forward towards the redevelopment of the former British Sugar site at Kidderminster.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has confirmed his support for the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park local development order, put forward by Wyre Forest District Council, which means a simplified planning process for firms looking to move in.
The order is the first of its kind to be brought forward within Worcestershire.
Mr Pawsey said he was “delighted” about the decision.
He went on: “Worcestershire LEP has promoted and supported this project since its inception.
“Out of eight competing sites across Worcestershire we chose South Kidderminster Enterprise Park as our ‘champion’ to bid for National Enterprise Zone status. But when not selected in the final 24, we refused to give up on the idea. We then continued to support Wyre Forest District Council in efforts that have culminated in this latest announcement.
“Both the council and ourselves felt this was a hugely worthwhile scheme, we still do, and there was a determination not to give up on it.
“We managed to convince Government that it was of significant merit and we are grateful to Mr Pickles for embracing it and pushing it forward.”
The Local Development Order covers 200 hectares in total. Set to create 5,000 new jobs along with much needed new homes, the council is working with the St Francis Group in developing the site.
The order allows development falling into specific employment use classes to be undertaken without the need for planning permission. It is hoped this will help encourage businesses to locate in the area and for existing ones to expand their operations.
Responses to a public consultation in March were considered by the council and used to inform the final document that was presented to Mr Pickles during his visit in late June when work demolishing two massive but redundant silos began. The site is now cleared.
