The International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) has been confirmed as being of 'national significance' by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Greg Clark.
This designation allows the 150ha project to progress under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning consenting regime.
Arup is the Lead Consultant on the project advising Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council who are working in partnership to deliver the scheme. The development will capitalise on the strong automotive engineering and manufacturing base that exists in the North East; and will host new and expanding automotive, energy, low carbon, logistics and offshore manufacturing businesses.
Arup is responsible for two Planning workstreams: the preparation of an Area Action Plan for the site to set the planning policy framework; and to secure consent for the development. Arup is also advising on master planning and Environmental Impact Assessment. The Arup team includes Urbed, BNP Paribas, Pinsent Masons and Local Dialogue.
IAMP is the first ‘Business or Commercial Project’, where the uses include industrial, storage or distribution, office and research and development floorspace, to be designated under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) consenting regime since the range of qualifying schemes was expanded in 2013.
The NSIP consenting process removes the need to obtain several separate consents, including planning permission and is designed to be a much quicker process than applying for these separately.