Planning rules in Wolverhampton will be simplified in a radical move to get developments moving and to jump start the city’s economy, council leaders have agreed.

The pledge to cut down on red tape was made in front of 110 business people at talks with the leaders of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties at Molineux last night.

Newly-formed Wolverhampton Business Group, led by Henry Carver of Carvers Building Supplies, quizzed the leaders ahead of next week’s elections that will determine who controls Wolverhampton City Council.

All three councillors pledged to simplify the process for getting planning permission and agreed that obstacles had been put in the way of development.

Labour leader Councillor Roger Lawrence said he had intervened twice in planning applications in recent weeks to get them moving.

And he called for businesses to consult neighbours about developments before applying formally, adding: “Twenty years ago we had nimbys, now we’ve got bananas — build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone.

“It’s much easier if people find out about these things earlier.”

Tory leader Neville Patten and Liberal Democrat leader Mike Heap both agreed with calls for a moratorium on so-called section 106 agreements, which oblige developers to fund public art, parks, social housing and other public benefits.

But Councillor Patten added: “I would have to see if it would be legal for us to brush them aside.”

Councillor Lawrence said: “I need to be sure we aren’t removing something we may need to regulate and control certain businesses such as takeaways.”

Councillor Heap added: “Councillors have got to get their heads together and make Wolverhampton a vibrant place.”

Mr Carver said: “We could be criticised as businesses for not engaging with the council and not putting our points of view strongly.

“We believe in Wolverhampton. It’s a fantastic city with fantastic people.”