Object

Representation ID: 65712

Received: 27/06/2014

Respondent: Mr Chris Walkingshaw

Agent: Barton Willmore

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? Yes

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Support in principle the acknowledgement in paragraph 1.26 that advanced manufacturing and engineering is an important key employment sector and acknowledge the Former Honiley Airfield as an important investment site. However objects that the plan will not meet the Council's vision unless further employment land is allocated. The SEP sets out that the availability of employment land is fundamental to attracting new investment. It forms part of the evidence base but its observations on the growth sectors in the district and sub region have been ignored in the development of the policy. Plans should be complimenting each other to ensure there is an appropriate strategy moving forward. Development of the site will complement the growth of other key automotive sector employment with test tracks such as (JLR) Gaydon and MIRA. Offers a discreet setting for R&D provision but well located to transport networks. The Coventry and Warwickshire City Deal has already released £559,000 of funding to Warwick District Council for highway upgrades scheduled in 2014/2015, and there is to be additional funding released for initial utilities upgrades in late 2015 (following the completion of Phase 1 of the extant planning permission). As well as physical infrastructure, the CWLEP are seeking a capital investment of c£1.25m to enable the provision of superfast broadband to the site.