Agenda item

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report on the progress made in relation to economic development up to the period 30 September 2017 and the Council’s vision for the future. 

The Head of Communications, Policy and Strategy provided a context of the local economy and what was happening nationally following Brexit.  He provided an overview of the Council’s vision to stimulate economic development and growth and how this was being driven forward referring Members to the progress made as detailed.

The Committee Chairman sought and was provided with clarification in relation to a query on the Priority Theme (Lobbying for the right infrastructure) and how effective the Council was in lobbying for change.

Councillor I Devonshire was pleased to hear of the interest shown in Launchpad.  He referred to the limited availability of industrial parks.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy acknowledged the limited availability of industrial parks adding that the District Plan had identified that 11 hectares of land was needed in Bishop’s Stortford, Ware and Gilston. 

Councillor B Deering agreed that land for industrial uses was critical.  He referred to rural areas and the problems associated with weak broadband and suggested that this problem should be fed into the planning process.  He questioned and was provided with clarification on Town Centre retail vacancy rates.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy agreed to write to Members regarding the figures shown for Hertford under the theme (supporting the visitor economy).

Councillor H Drake praised the introduction of business incubators in Bishop’s Stortford and suggested that this should be incorporated as a condition in the planning negotiation process.  She sought and was provided with clarification on the jobs created with the help of European funding and the need to continue to lobby heavily for the right to infrastructure, particularly in the light of the additional homes in Bishop’s Stortford.  The Committee Chairman assured Members that Mark Prisk MP was actively lobbying for the right infrastructure for the District.

In response to a question from Councillor M Stevenson, the Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy agreed to write to her with more information on the Hertford and Ware land study.  Councillor Stevenson referred to the fact that landowners were running down industrial land and turning them into residential. 

Councillor P Kenealy expressed concern about the loss of commercial units to residential.  The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy referred to the development guidance set out within the District Plan (currently under examination).

Councillor M Freeman was encouraged by the way that Council Officers were working with their counterparts at HCC to accelerate development.  He stated that it was up to local MPs to apply pressure on the Rail Minister to get funding approved.

It was acknowledged that in progressing matters in relation to Network Rail to achieve an additional platform at Stevenage, Mark Prisk MP was behind the push to secure 12 train carriages and four tracks. 

In relation to funding and grants, Councillor G Cutting felt that financially, the allocation was not unreasonable given the fact that Bishop’s Stortford was getting the lion’s share of housing development.  He asked Officers to look at farms in relation to small business development proposals.

Members noted the progress made on developing an economic development agenda.

RESOLVED – that the progress made in developing an economic development agenda and vision, be noted.