Decision details

This report outlines the ways in which the smart growth agenda will strengthen the local economy, promote high value employment and encourage investment. The Regeneration Delivery Plans respond to the particular characteristics of the sub-economies, and outline actions to deliver commercial premises and achieve sustainable growth.

On a motion from Councillor Terry Gazzard seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that the ‘story’ be used as a coherent narrative that records the journey between 2005 and the present and sets aspirations for the future;

(2) To ADOPT the Local Economic Assessment as required by the 2009 Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act.  This will also provide an evidence base for our economic interventions and the emerging Core Strategy.

(3) To ASK the Director of Major Projects in consultation with the Leader of the Council to work with consultants to amend some minor inaccuracies in the report;

(4) To NOTE the growth aspirations to create 8,500 – 9,000 net new jobs as the Cabinet’s Economic Strategy in B&NES to 2026 and the interventions to deliver these, in particular those set out in the Regeneration Delivery Plans and that these be confirmed and completed together with the ‘story’ by the Strategic Director for Development and Major Projects in consultation with Cabinet members following confirmation of the Council’s agreement to this level of growth when it makes its decision on the Core Strategy at Council in December.

To safeguard health and wellbeing by ensuring the economy is strengthened in a way that preserves what is best about B&NES

B&NES is in competition with other areas in a difficult economic climate, and if we do not grasp the challenge and adopt the principle of smart economic growth, our residents and businesses will not be able to take advantage of potential economic growth and wealth creation