North Wales Growth Deal signed
North Wales has managed to secure multi-million-pound funding in a new Growth Deal signed by the UK Government, Welsh Government and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. £240 million of funding had already been secured courtesy of the UK and Welsh Governments with the remaining funding set to come from the private sector.
The North Wales Economic Ambition Board has predicted that the new investment could create substantial economic benefits with the creation of around 4000 jobs and secure over £500 million in private sector investment in the foreseeable future, according to a UK Government press release.
In that press release, the Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns commented:
“The North Wales Growth Deal is a huge and exciting opportunity to transform the region and help rebalance the Welsh economy. We will continue to work with our partners to develop the growth deal and ensure it is delivered for the people and businesses of North Wales”.
HM Government, Transformative North Wales Growth Deal signed
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Quote of the month
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This agreement will deliver multi-million-pound investment with the potential to create green collar jobs in the nuclear and low carbon sectors, as well as boosting tourism and businesses across North Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and beyond.
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon. Jake Berry |
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Welsh government announces funding for housing development
The Welsh Government has said it will provide funding for new housing developments as part of a wider commitment to fund “key capital projects”. First minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Today’s funding sends out a clear message that as the chaos in Westminster continues, the Welsh Government continues to deliver our flagship commitments to protect the interests of Wales and grow our economy”.
The Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan will provide a large amount of the £77 million capital project funding, which will include £30 million to support future projects such as housing, of which £10 million will be for investment in modular housing factories.
Welsh Government press release
Update on a Planning Inspectorate for Wales
It has been confirmed that the Planning Inspectorate in Wales is being merged into a function of the Welsh Government. It had been previously announced by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, that the Planning Inspectorate for Wales was expected to be operational by the end of the current assembly term. No other information has yet been formally provided.
Welsh Government, Decision Reports: 2019 Minister for Housing and Local Government
Funding for Wales’ designated landscapes
Further funding is to be made available for Welsh National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said:
“this announcement is proof of the Welsh Government’s continued commitment to ensuring our designated landscapes and their communities prosper and flourish".
Total investment will culminate in £7m when the £3m of funding provided in March 2019 is included on top of the £4m announced this month . The funding is to be put towards key improvements and Welsh Government priorities regarding designated landscapes such as greening measures, enhanced biodiversity and improved infrastructure for tourism and recreation opportunities.
Welsh Government press release
Permitted development rights for allotment holders
The Welsh Government is proposing to introduce new permitted development rights for development on land in use as an allotment. A consultation seeking views on adding a new part to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO) has commenced and closes on 28 February 2020.
Welsh Government Consultation, Permitted Development and Allotments
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The Lichfields perspective
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The signing of the North Wales Growth Deal is welcome news. This investment provides significant potential to transform the economy of the region. It is important that emerging planning policies at national, regional and local levels recognise the aspirational levels of growth that the Growth Deal is aiming to achieve and provide the necessary support for appropriate levels of development accordingly.
Lewis Condé, Associate Director |
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Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116
