The Effects of the Relaxation of Planning Controls in Enterprise Zones on Industrial Pollution

Abstract

Pollution problems in UK enterprise zones were predicted because of the relaxation of land-use planning powers which are frequently used to anticipate and prevent pollution. A questionnaire survey and in-depth study of four zones revealed that, in the event, pollution problems have been below the average for similar industrial areas. The pollution which has arisen in enterprise zones has been associated mostly with developments not requiring planning permission rather than with the many firms that still require such permission. Landlord powers, controls over the nature of developments, the location of enterprise zones, prior negotiations, and residual planning and other controls have all been used to replace statutory planning powers. However, these alternative controls are much less likely to prove effective in simplified planning zones where local authorities may succeed mainly in attracting potentially polluting development.

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