The Government’s Localism Bill offers significant challenges as well as opportunities to the progress of major infrastructure projects in the West Midlands, the director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has warned.
The ‘Great Debate’ event held at the Arup Campus in Solihull saw representatives from across the built environment discuss the implications of the Government’s localism agenda on the West Midlands with panelists in agreement that there are pros and cons to the new approach.
ICE director general Tom Foulkes expressed mixed views about the affect the bill could have on major construction and infrastructure projects in the West Midlands.
Localism is key to the coalition Government’s approach to decision-making as part of the ‘Big Society’ concept against a backdrop of public sector spending cuts.
Published in November last year, the Localism Bill promises greater powers for local authorities on planning applications while also preserving a planning regime to fast-track nationally significant infrastructure projects such as the High Speed Rail 2 route to Birmingham from London.
Before an audience of more than 80 professionals from across the local construction industry, the debate focused on whether the localism agenda would cause delays to much-needed infrastructure schemes.
Prof Foulkes said the ICE welcomed the retention of a fast-tracked, democratic planning system for nationally significant infrastructure projects, but agreed there are potential weaknesses at a ‘larger than local’ level that needed to be addressed.
He said: “We recognise many positive features of localism and welcome aspects of the easing of central direction.
“However, we are concerned that there is inadequate provision for the planning and funding of the important infrastructure that sits between the local and national levels.
“By definition, localism will produce very different outcomes in different kinds of places on different issues. The system will work well in some situations and less so in others.
“ICE has consistently made the case for a more efficient planning system for dealing with infrastructure projects like High Speed Rail. We welcomed the formation of the Infrastructure Planning Commission and are reassured that the Bill would preserve much of its structure and processes as part of the Planning Inspectorate.”
The debate also involved Anthony Clerici, regional chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects West Midlands, Martin Perks, regional chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Trudi Elliot, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute and Paul Spooner, West Midlands director of the Homes and Community Agency.
Along with other organisations involved in the built environment, ICE has submitted a briefing to ministers at the Department for Communities and Local Government urging the Government to ensure there are safeguards and robust mechanisms in place to ensure the Bill does not undermine the ability to plan and deliver infrastructure.
Prof Foulkes also raised concerns that the introduction of local referendums could mean organised community groups may act to oppose certain types of development ‘even before any proposals have been made’.
He said: “There is a risk that there will not always be positive motivations in people’s reactions to consultation.
Pointing to the success of Hong Kong as an example of a region delivering on major infrastructure projects, Foulkes urged Birmingham and the West Midlands to raise its game.
He said: “The question is where does Birmingham set its ambition?
“What vision does this region and Birmingham have?
“If Birmingham is to become more of a contributor to national economic development, it needs to decide what its priorities for growth locally are, and where the biggest gains can be made in terms of low carbon, export potential and local economic prosperity.
“The future prospects for Birmingham and the West Midlands are determined as much by global issues as local ones. Don’t just look domestically, I challenge you to look on a global scale, to innovate and set yourself worldwide standards.
“The West Midlands was made great by entrepreneurs and if the region is to contribute to sustained economic development, it must look to find the entrepreneurial spirit once again, not the usual suspects.”
The annual Great Debate is organised by five of the key bodies who represent professionals involved in construction and the built environment in the West Midlands, the Landscape Institute, ICE, RIBA, RICS and the RTPI.
