Plans for a major economic growth area to link the Midlands and south-west of England are too grandiose, according to senior managers at Birmingham council.
Housing manager Michael Irvine said the proposal for the Heart of Opportunity scheme, which is intended to rival growth areas in the South and North, is too large-scale and the cities involved do not have enough in common.

"I'm not sure what we would have in common with Bristol, which looks to London rather than to the Midlands," he said. "The regional development agencies are taking the lead and they're looking at things on a supra-level, not a regional level.

"Birmingham can see connections more closely at hand – in the market renewal areas, for example."

The proposed growth area was unofficially launched last month when leaders of the West Midlands, East Midlands and South-west RDAs met regeneration minister Lord Rooker (HT 20 February, page 7).

Source

Housing Today