Thames Gateway development one step closer as corporation gains planning powers

Development along the Thames Gateway took one step further this week as the Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) was granted strategic planning powers from Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.


The powers will come into effect as of 31st October making the LTGDC the local planning
authority within the designated area in the Lower Lea Valley and London Riverside, from
Beckton to Rainham, with responsibility for determining strategic and large scale planning
applications.

A spokesperson for the ODPM told edie that this would not affect any other
planning applications and that all other developments would be determined by the relevant
local authorities.

Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: “The transfer of planning powers for strategic
applications will enable LTGDC to make a real and positive difference to local communities,
bringing business investment, increased employment and improved community facilities.”

She added that LTGDC will not hold authority over the main Olympic sites, but that its
work in the Lower Lea Valley would be of vital importance nevertheless.

The Corporation has only a ten year limited lifespan and has a number of strategic
objectives through which growth and regeneration will take place.

Lorraine Baldry, chairman of LTGDC said: “We welcome this move as it allows us to
really get started on deivering on the Government’s agenda for change in the London
Thames Gateway. The nature and scale of our task is challenging, but we can be confident
as we will have the tools to do the job and the active involvement of all our stakeholders to
deliver qualitative improvements which will be necessary to attract further investment in
the area.”

David Hopkins

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