A PLANNING scheme aimed at doing away with bureaucratic red-tape and encourage investment in Kidderminster has been extended.

Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet has agreed to extend the Local Development Order (LDO) in place at South Kidderminster Enterprise Park for a further three years until 2018.

The LDO allows businesses to develop in the area, which covers Stourport Road and Worcester Road, without the need for planning permission. The aim of the scheme is to encourage new businesses into the area and create new jobs.

To date, the LDO has encouraged development of more than 40,000 square feet worth more than £20m in inward investment.

Councillor John Campion, Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “This is a ringing endorsement for some of the directions we have taken the council in relation to economic development.

“One of the barriers for businesses looking to expand is the palaver of having to go through the long-winded planning process and the LDO is the answer to that.

“We are flexible and welcoming and we are seeing Wyre Forest being chosen as a place to invest over other towns and cities. I’m delighted that we are renewing this and be able to use it again.”

Companies that have taken advantage of the LDO include Amada, whose £5m extension safeguarded 50 jobs and Beakbane Ltd, who have carried out a £1.2m expansion of its current building.

Oakleaf Commercial Services is currently in the process of building a new £1.5million depot that will give the firm the scope to be able to expand.

And, earlier this year, Specsavers announced plans for a £12m development that will see more than 200 jobs created in the area.