West Mids developers must "set worldwide standards"
The director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has urged West Midlands’ construction companies to “raise their game” to deliver major infrastructure projects under new proposed planning regulations.
Speaking at the Great Regional Debate in Solihull, ICE director general Tom Foulkes discussed the implications of the government’s localism agenda and how it could affect major construction and infrastructure projects.
Published in December last year, the Localism Bill promises greater powers for local authorities on planning applications while also preserving a regime to fast-track nationally significant infrastructure projects such as the High Speed Rail 2 route to Birmingham from London.
The debate was held in front of an audience of more than 80 professionals from across the local construction industry.
Foulkes 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.”
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 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.
