To consider and comment on a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services to which is attached a draft Sustainable Local Economy Strategy for Huntingdonshire.
30 Minutes
Contact:C Garbett 388459
Minutes:
The Panel gave consideration to a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) to which was attached a draft Sustainable Local Economy Strategy for Huntingdonshire. Members were informed that the Strategy looked beyond the boundary of the District borders and involved partner organisations. The strategy was designed to shape the local economy by concentrating on promoting key sectors, which was in line with regional and national trends. It also took account of a number of local and regional studies and had been subject to a series of consultation events. The overall aim was to develop a strategy that could contribute towards achieving 20,000 additional jobs that were needed in the District in the period to 2021 in line with the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.
The Panel discussed each of the six strategic priorities in detail which had been developed to focus future activities. With regard to the outcome of providing Business Support, Members commented on the need for the Council to support the installation of infrastructure facilities in areas of land identified for industrial development in order to make them more attractive to businesses. Following a further comment on the need to promote existing sites for development, it was suggested that older units should be refurbished for this purpose.
In response to a question by Councillor D A Giles, Members were informed that the 20,000 new jobs would be in addition to the 68,000 existing jobs in the District. Members requested that they be kept informed of changes to the designation of industrial land for planning purposes and commented that there was unmet demand for “move on” premises and that small companies needed support to make the transition.
Members noted that the Physical Infrastructure Development strategic priority referred to the importance of ensuring that infrastructure requirements were reflected in the Regional Spatial Strategy and, in particular, the need for an effective transport network.
In respect of the Skill Development strategic priority, Members commented that, in addition to providing training, priority housing also should be provided for key workers. Having been acquainted with an example of how similar assistance had been provided to a company relocated to the District, Members noted that the Regional College consulted industry on its training needs and developed courses to support creative industries.
The Panel was informed of the objectives of the Town Centre support and the Visitor Development strategic priorities. With regard to the latter, Members requested and received details of the sub-regional approach it was intended to adopt. A regional brand would be developed and a Tourism Officer for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough would be appointed and managed by the District Council to support partners across the County to deliver projects for the benefit of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The final strategic priority covered the industry sectors it was intended to promote. The Panel referred to the need for planning policies to allow diversification in the use of redundant buildings in rural areas for this purpose and for measures to attract industries, including assistance with start-up, transfer and technical matters. Members went on to outline their views on the desirability of providing adequate and sufficient services to serve the increased population. It was explained that an extra 10,000 jobs were currently needed locally to balance the levels of inward and outward commuting to and from the District.
In the context of recent job losses in manufacturing in St. Neots, the Panel stated that particular emphasis should be placed in this area by encouraging new types of industry, building housing and resisting the re-designation of industrial sites for residential purposes.
Having noted that the Strategy and Action Plan would be submitted to the Panel in the New Year, it was
RESOLVED
that the draft Sustainable Local Economy Strategy be endorsed for submission to the Cabinet.
Supporting documents: