Bill aims to cut planning red tape

David Cameron has hailed a new £350 million construction project in the heart of London as proof that the coalition's crackdown on planning red tape is working.

The Prime Minister said the go-ahead for two major buildings in Victoria would support 2,500 jobs and help get the economy moving.

The announcement came as the Government introduced the Growth and Infrastructure Bill to Parliament.

Ministers claim the package will unlock billions of pounds worth of investment in energy schemes, by easing bureaucratic burdens on developers and employers.

Mr Cameron welcomed the move by Land Securities to start construction on offices and luxury flats at the Kingsgate House site in Victoria.

The British firm decided to go ahead after legislation was changed this week to prevent a planning levy for local infrastructure being double-charged - adding significantly to costs.

"The Bill we are publishing today is all about helping our country compete in the global race and building an aspiration nation where we back those who want to get on life," the premier said.

"We are slashing unnecessary bureaucracy, giving business the confidence to invest, unlocking big infrastructure projects and supporting hard working people to realise their dreams.

"Already the changes we are making to the planning system are having an impact, with Land Securities giving the go-ahead to a major multimillion-pound investment, supporting thousands of jobs in our construction industry."

Land Securities chief executive Robert Noel said: "It is heartening to know that Government has listened to the industry and acted to remove some of the uncertainty in the planning process."