Eastern business group defend local 'special investment zone' decision against criticism
The Bishop of Norwich and local environmental groups have firmly opposed the Government's decision
A regional business group have welcomed and defended the Government's decision to make Norfolk, a 'special investment zone'- calling it a 'good first step'.
It comes after many of our environmental groups and the Bishop of Norwich, Revered Graham Usher argued the decision would water down regulation and leave local wildlife less protected against future building plans.
Suffolk and Essex were also made 'special investment zones' as part of Friday mini-budget.
The decision means that local authorities will be able to cut personal taxes, change affordable housing quotas, and water down environmental pledges, in order to attract more investment and get more firms building.
"These zones must primarily be towards business growth"
James Palmer is the chair of Eastern Powerhouse.
He says we need to put our local economy first:
"I welcome the environmental points, but I would also say that it's tremendously important to make sure that we have quality jobs, quality education and quality of opportunity for people in the East. These zones must primarily be towards business growth".
"Since we have been set up we have seen that we have been able to influence Government and raise awareness for the needs of the East of England to be part of the overall economy of the UK. We will keep a very close eye on all this, and we will work with local partners and local government to make sure that what is provided, is what is needed for the region".
Revered Graham Usher took to twitter at the end of last week:
"Growth of the economy, doesn't have to leave the environment behind"
Mr Palmer also told us there's still a lot of work to be done:
"It's very important that environmental groups and others put their points across before the zone is finalised and before planning decisions are made. There is no doubt in my mind that growth of the economy, doesn't have to leave the environment behind".
"We would like to see a policy on energy for the East, a policy on life science for the East, and we would like to see more investment into the East. An investment zone is a great start but our infrastructure is still very, very poor. If we want to take advantage of the success of the economy of the east, then investment into the rail and roads is key to the future direction the economy takes".