Questions have been asked at Lancaster City Council about ideas to create a government-backed investment zone in Heysham, which could see tax incentives and light-touch regulations offered as incentives for business investment.Investment zones were launched in September by the government. The proposals have some similarities with the new government-backed freeports across the UK. Both investment zones and freeports have been linked to different districts of Lancashire in recent months.
Furthermore, ‘minimised’ planning procedures could be offered in investment zones, according to government information. The measures are proposed by the government to speed-up economic growth, business investment in facilities and jobs; and also to see new homes built in some locations. “It is not clear whether government will continue with this initiative. Lancashire [council] leaders have continued work on Plan 2050 with overarching priorities laid-out for all areas and meetings between leaders, officers and chief executives to agree progress so far. Mark Davies [the city council’s chief executive] and I attended the transport and environment groups .”
“Regarding freeport status, nothing has crossed my desk about that. I could get some information about that but nothing has been mentioned. I know freeports and investment zones have been put together because some people have compared investment zones to ‘small-time’ freeports. I cannot really answer the question at the moment. However I can get some information.
Regarding other investment zone discussions in Lancashire, Conservative-controlled Ribble Valley Council recently raised concerns about the potential planning impact of an investment zone on the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty. The area has a similar protected status to national parks.