This is Leicestershire --
Leicester City Council wants to make it easier for construction firms to build high-quality offices.
The council is hoping to change existing guidelines covering developments, employment and training, to broaden the areas where office developments can go ahead and increase job opportunities.
It wants to encourage developers to build top-grade office space anywhere in the city centre – rather than in the previously designated "office district" near Leicester railway station.
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he also wants developers to sign contracts as part of big planning applications which guarantee construction jobs and training.
The proposals follow last year's Leicester Office Market Review – launched in the Colton Square offices, off Charles Street – which saw the council working with landowners, developers and existing businesses to work out the priorities for new office space.
The council is now running a public consultation until August 22, giving people a chance to comment on suggested changes to guidelines.
If there are no unresolved objections at the end of the consultation, the changes will be approved, either in writing by the Government's Planning Inspector or by a formal examination in public.
Once adopted, the changes should be in place by early 2014.
Sir Peter said: "The Leicester Office Market Review gave us a real insight into the situation, and has prompted landowners and developers to come forward with opportunities for top-class office developments.
"Experience has shown schemes like this play a vital role in retaining and attracting jobs and investment, as well as stimulating regeneration.
"It is vital we can encourage developers and investors and ensure major development schemes bring with them opportunities for construction industry jobs. These proposed changes will really give a boost to developers."
www.leicester.gov.uk/ corestrategy Reported by This is 1 day ago.
Leicester City Council wants to make it easier for construction firms to build high-quality offices.
The council is hoping to change existing guidelines covering developments, employment and training, to broaden the areas where office developments can go ahead and increase job opportunities.
It wants to encourage developers to build top-grade office space anywhere in the city centre – rather than in the previously designated "office district" near Leicester railway station.
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he also wants developers to sign contracts as part of big planning applications which guarantee construction jobs and training.
The proposals follow last year's Leicester Office Market Review – launched in the Colton Square offices, off Charles Street – which saw the council working with landowners, developers and existing businesses to work out the priorities for new office space.
The council is now running a public consultation until August 22, giving people a chance to comment on suggested changes to guidelines.
If there are no unresolved objections at the end of the consultation, the changes will be approved, either in writing by the Government's Planning Inspector or by a formal examination in public.
Once adopted, the changes should be in place by early 2014.
Sir Peter said: "The Leicester Office Market Review gave us a real insight into the situation, and has prompted landowners and developers to come forward with opportunities for top-class office developments.
"Experience has shown schemes like this play a vital role in retaining and attracting jobs and investment, as well as stimulating regeneration.
"It is vital we can encourage developers and investors and ensure major development schemes bring with them opportunities for construction industry jobs. These proposed changes will really give a boost to developers."
www.leicester.gov.uk/ corestrategy Reported by This is 1 day ago.