Issue - meetings

To note the current progress on the assessment of economic growth and employment needs that will inform the Local Plan.

The Planning Policy Officer presented a report on the current progress of the employment study which will inform the new Local Plan on economic growth and employment needs.

Members discussed the findings of the report, and the following was noted:

·         The report had not mention Stansted Mountfitchet as a significant community with an independent economic role to the district, but did mention Dunmow, Saffron Walden and Thaxted. The Chair said that there should be a strategy for the whole district.

·         Members raised concerns around the background papers used, which predated both Britain’s exit from the European Union and the Covid-19 pandemic. Officers explained that evidence is not readily available as the impact of the these are ongoing, however the consultants undertaking the study were factoring this into their research. They highlighted that the interim report did include some up-to-date evidence, such as the study by Cambridge Econometrics which was drafted in July 2021.

·         Members suggested not concentrating life sciences employment opportunities in the Chesterfords and encouraging them to be placed in other communities, perhaps along the railway.

·         The report aimed to looks at all different types of work in the district, from the rural economy to microbusinesses, as well as the skills of the working age population. Officers had noted that the research suggested that there was a high level of highly skilled employees within the district.

·         Members highlighted that the visitor economy was the second most important economic strand in the district but was undervalued. In the report, all 3 Grade 1 attractions in Thaxted had been omitted. The Planning Policy Officer confirmed that a culture, creative and art strategy was being developed which will assist in expanding the visitor economy further.

·         A policy decision had not yet been made on whether all activity at Stansted Airport would be airport related. Members emphasised that this would impact on land allocation for areas such as logistics and semi-industry.

The Chair requested that members contact officers outside the meeting with any specific points of clarification.

The Group noted the report.