ALL seven Local Development Orders (LDOs) required for the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone project have now been approved by the Government.

Subject to certain criteria, the orders free businesses and developers to build on designated land without completing the normal planning process.

With six of the seven LDOs having been in place since April 1, a number of developments are already in progress.

Work has begun on office, industrial and training developments at Beacon Park, Gorleston, where Norfolk Capacitors is also planning an addition to its recently constructed factory.

At South Denes in Great Yarmouth, construction has started on a new headquarters for Seajacks, involving a mixture of office and warehouse space, while at Mobbs Way in Lowestoft industrial and office units are in the pipeline.

Andy Wood, chairman of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which secured Enterprise Zone status for the towns last year, said: “This is a great achievement.

“It shows that by working effectively with local authority planners, we can cut red tape and fast-track the development process. This is good for business and a significant milestone in creating an Enterprise Zone, which will help grow jobs in the two counties.”

Besides simplified planning controls, Enterprise Zone status also offers exemption from business rates for five years.

New Anglia LEP’s work on the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth zone was recently praised by the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, as an example for others to follow.