Issue - meetings

(A)   That the Sawbridgeworth Employment Study, attached as Appendix A, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications; and

(B) That any minor amendments to the content of the Sawbridgeworth Employment Study be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth presented the Sawbridgeworth Employment Study, the final employment study covering the district’s main towns. The study assessed local employment needs and opportunities, taking account of changes to the economy, working patterns and planning regulations since the pandemic and Brexit.

Members were advised that Sawbridgeworth had a relatively small employment land market and modest projected growth, with many residents commuting to work outside the town. The study concluded that there was limited demand for significant new employment land, however recommended protecting and supporting existing employment opportunities through the safeguarding, refurbishment and redevelopment of existing sites where appropriate.

The Executive noted that the study would form part of the evidence base for the new Local Plan and help inform the future economic strategy for Sawbridgeworth.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods seconded the proposal.

Members sought clarification on the progress of the employment studies. It was confirmed that studies for Buntingford, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and Ware, and Sawbridgeworth had now all been completed, providing a comprehensive evidence base across the district’s main towns.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Sawbridgeworth Employment Study, attached as Appendix A, be agreed as part of the evidence base to inform the new East Herts Local Plan and as a material consideration for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications; and

(B) any minor amendments to the content of the Sawbridgeworth Employment Study be delegated to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth.