Moves to change planning regulations in Selby welcomed (From York Press)

Moves to change planning regulations in Selby welcomed

10:02am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Business news By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

CHANGES to planning restrictions for new businesses in Selby could be made within months.

The changes could make it easier for new businesses to qualify for change of use planning permission to set up at the Selby Business Park.

David Fieldsend, chairman of the Selby Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said he welcomed the plans. “A lot of people who want to start a business in Selby can’t, because of the planning regulations.

“I feel that Selby District Council is preventing new business in the town. With housing, you can get away with whatever you feel like, but when it comes to change-of-use applications, they have all been rejected.”

Tim Marlow, a developer who owns and co-owns a number of units at the business park, said he believed encouraging new businesses to start up in the town would help improve Selby’s prospects.

He said: “They are over-regulating. Planning officers are disregarding the facts about the supply of land and property required to support business activities in Selby. There is no shortage of land. The real shortage is of new and expanding businesses needed to support employment and prosperity in the town.”

Council leader Mark Crane said he would meet officials this week to discuss changing the planning regulations regarding change of use on sites, including the Selby Business Park, to allow new businesses to use units.

He said: “We need a council decision to change the regulations, but could have a new masterplan for the Business Park which would reflect the current climate. It will be months, rather than weeks, but I wouldn’t like to say for definite.

“I can’t see why anyone would object to us changing the blueprint for the business park if it helps to bring new business and jobs into the park.”

Mr Marlow said: “I believe Coun Crane is trying to re-energise things, and that would be very welcome as far as I’m concerned, and would also be welcome by the business community.”