Businesses must get every help.

Byline: ROSS SMITH 

THE economic landscape in the North East is likely to experience phenomenal change over coming decades as there are a sizeable number of exciting developments planned.

I say likely because while there is a will on the part of developers to drive these projects forward, there are many hurdles to overcome before they can become a reality.

NECC has established a development group to explore the issues affecting planning and property in the North East.

It is hard not to get excited about the ambitious plans companies have in this region that will bring job creation and opportunities to redress the prosperity imbalance with the South. However, any excitement is tempered when you hear the frustrations they encounter with the planning system.

Rules are applied in the North East that were designed to address problems in London. Extra information is requested halfway through the process. Different public agencies give conflicting signals on development. Minor changes to plans mean repeating extensive bureaucratic processes. Assurances given in early discussions are changed by more senior managers later on. Businesses are only told of problems, rather than helped to find solutions.

None of this should ever be acceptable in a region which is chasing some hugely ambitious goals for business development, economic growth and job creation. It should certainly not be permitted now at a time when every potential business investment in our region should be given maximum support to make it happen.

Businesses should have crystal clear information to base judgments on before submitting plans, and where there are concerns there should be proactive steps to deal with them in a way which allows the investment to go ahead.

The Government has just finished consultation on a new planning policy statement in support of economic development, and NECC submitted its response this week.

The onus is on the North East's local authorities and statutory agencies to recognise where they must do things better.

Ross Smith is NECC head of policy and research