Investment zones will scrap height restrictions

Height restrictions will be relaxed in dozens of areas across England under plans for new investment zones. The chancellor is expected to lay out proposals for the zones in his mini-Budget today, after confirming he was in talks with 38 local authorities. The zones are being pitched as “hubs for growth”, offering tax cuts for businesses. Ministers hope this will boost investment in shopping centres, restaurants, offices and homes. The investment zones will also have looser planning rules than other parts of the country, with height restrictions removed on the development of housing and commercial sites. Affordable housing will be set at a fixed percentage, removing the need for complex negotiations. It is also thought that environmental regulations, including rules protecting natural habitats, will also be relaxed or suspended to allow greater development. Kwasi Kwarteng is expected to tell the Commons later today: “We will liberalise planning rules in specified agreed sites, releasing land and accelerating development. And we will cut taxes, with businesses in designated sites enjoying the benefit of generous tax reliefs.” The Times (£) Photo by Alastair Grant/AP/Shutterstock (12773539a)