Preferred Options

Support

Representation ID: 49370

Received: 13/08/2012

Respondent: Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership

The productivity of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy has been falling steadily over the past 5 / 6 years due to lack of growing businesses, below average diffusion and take up of innovation across the local economy, lack of higher level skills particularly in the centre and north of the subregion, weak agglomeration effects of the core urban area probably exacerbated by poor north / south transport connectivity and lack of growth of higher value, knowledge intensive industries.

The district has seen growth in higher value knowledge intensive industries over the past 10 years and the LEP supports and encourages further growth in these sectors. The University of Warwick which is part located within Warwick District makes a significant contribution to the subregional economy and the LEP supports continued development of the campus as set out in the Masterplan agreed by the Council.

Supports objective 1 of the plan as set out in paragraph 4.10 and the economy issues in 8.6 are noted and considered consistent with the LEP 5 year plan.

The LEP is pleased that there is a close working relationship with the business community to understand their needs. The LEP is committed to the identification of a site of regional importance for employment to serve the needs of Coventry and Warwickshire and has indicated the Gateway Site as its preferred site. The LEP acknowledges that the plan gives a committment to exploring the case for this site.

Is pleased that the opportunity to attract new investment and jobs is not likely to be restricted by inadequate provision of new employment land to meet the needs of the district. In support of the Councils flexible approach in PO8 wishes to emphasise the importance of providing the right locational requirements for businesses. Suggests a wider definition of economic development should be provided in PO8 to include employment opportunities which fall outside B class uses.

Support

Representation ID: 49371

Received: 13/08/2012

Respondent: Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Supports the development of a Community Infrastructure Levy alongside the local plan and is prepared to assist the Council in progressing this.

Support

Representation ID: 49372

Received: 13/08/2012

Respondent: Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Notes the decision to choose the option 1 level of growth (600 pa 2011 to 2029)and the difficulties in proposing greenfield and greenbelt development but it has to be recognised that WDC has less than 3 years housing supply and effort must be taken to increase supply.