WIREDGOV

A ground-breaking agreement between business leaders and conservationists will help to put the natural environment at the heart of Tees Valley’s economic regeneration.

The accord involving Tees Valley Unlimited (the local enterprise partnership) and Natural England (the Government’s environment adviser) is aimed at identifying suitable areas for new industries while protecting and enhancing important natural habitats.

Believed to be the first of its kind between Natural England and an LEP, the agreement builds upon a close working relationship that will ensure early engagement between developers, local planners, TVU and conservation bodies to help create a smoother, solution-orientated planning process.

It is anticipated that this co-operation will reduce delays to development and increase the likelihood of planning permission being granted, further endorsing the attractiveness of the area to potential investors.

A thriving industrialised area supporting both the local and national economy, the Tees estuary is also of international importance for birds such as the red knot, common redshank and little tern. This is recognised in the designation of Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast as a Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, which carries with it legal protections.

The agreement highlights a joint appreciation of the importance of a quality natural environment in attracting business investment and people to the Tees Valley area.

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of TVU, and Adrian Vass, Area Manager for Natural England, launched the agreement at Greatham Creek – a haven for common terns and wading birds as well as common and grey seals. It is also part of Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, one of the jewels in the country’s conservation crown.

Mr Catchpole said: “We believe that the successful diversification of the Tees Valley economy will be achieved by partners and stakeholders working together to promote our attributes and tackle head-on any barriers to growth.

“This agreement with Natural England acknowledges a holistic approach to ensuring that Tees Valley achieves its potential while appreciating the natural assets the area has to offer.”

Mr Vass said: “This unique agreement marks the start of an exciting chapter for the Tees Valley in which regeneration and conservation go hand in hand. It demonstrates a shared commitment to the natural environment, as well as recognition of the contribution it makes to economic growth and to the lives of the people employed. It is also a shared recognition of the need to facilitate economic development and secure growth.”

Notes:

TVU is the local enterprise partnership for the five local authorities of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton on Tees. The public and private sector organisation is responsible for driving forward the local economy.

Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. It has a statutory role in the planning process aimed at supporting sustainable development: ensuring developments meet European law (the Habitats Regulations), assessing the impact on sites environmentally protected under law and advising planning authorities and developers.

For further information (media only) contact:

Graham Tibbetts, graham.tibbetts@naturalengland.org.uk , 0300 060 2617 or out of hours 07970 098005.
Catherine Gordon, Catherine.gordon@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk, 01642 632 022.

For more information about Natural England, please visit:
www.naturalengland.org.uk Twitter @naturalengland