Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced its interest in the government’s new project of setting up Investment Zones, with the aim of driving growth and prosperity.
These new Investment Zones are expected to benefit areas by providing tax incentives, accelerated and streamlined processes such as Local Development Orders for Planning, as well as retained business rate growth for local investment.
Notably, the council has made it abundantly clear that it will not compromise when it comes to the health, safety, and rights of workers, alongside not compromising on the environment. This comes as there could be a relaxation in the regulations faced by businesses inside the investment zones.
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Councillor Louise Gittins, said:
“The Council has submitted our Investment Zone Expression of Interest today.
“We have focused on the Ellesmere Port industrial area, which is of major national and an international significance. Investment Zone status will create new opportunities to secure substantial additional funding to enable future growth. Investment Zones can include housing sites, but the Council has not included any housing in the submission – or focus is on commercial and employment sites.
“The Investment Zone proposition builds on extensive collaboration and previous investment in this area of the borough, including several sites within the existing Enterprise Zone. It is a coherent established cluster with many high skilled jobs and future investment opportunities. We ae keen to ensure that everyone benefits from these opportunities, with good jobs and fair wages.
Its role within transition to net zero and decarbonisation is also a fundamental reason for us putting this area forward. This also provides an opportunity to support wider regeneration, including for the town centre of Ellesmere Port and other associated infrastructure. Further details will be shared following a confirmation of an Investment Zone approval.”
The council have contacted the owners of sites within the Ellesmere Port industrial area that could meet the criteria, building on positive relationships with the business community.
