Businesses urged to help shape Warwick local plan

BUSINESSES are being urged to give their views on a plan which will help shape the future of Warwick district for the next 15 years.

Warwick District Council is drawing up the new local plan to help shape economic growth and development in the area as well as provide for housing expansion across the district.

The plan will go through a period of formulation and consultation before finally being adopted in just over two year’s time.

The mid-Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted an event so members could hear Bill Hunt, deputy chief executive of Warwick District Council, outline  the principles of the plan.

Sophie Howe, managing director of translation and interpreting company Comtec and chair of the branch, said it was important businesses had a say in a crucial piece of documentation.

“This is in fact the second time the council has had to draw up a plan in recent times, which will be frustrating to many local businesses who are keen to see a clear plan for growth ,” she said.

“The Regional Spatial Strategy which formed the basis for the initial draft local plan, was scrapped under the new government and the process was then started again. Bill was able to outline the broad thinking on the plan which will allow us to give more detailed feedback on what we believe the area needs to achieve its ambitions and potential.”

Plans could include local enterprise zones with incentives to kick start economic development, improved broadband speeds, development of new commercial areas, programmes to improve skills as well as continued support of the Gateway development around Coventry Airport.

Ms Howe added: “It is a difficult job for the council because the plan has to last for 15 years but needs to address short and long term issues – but it is crucial it get it right.

“Obviously we support the over-riding aims of creating a strong and sustainable economy but there are a myriad of issues which need to come together for that to happen.”

Another period of consultation will follow before a final draft of the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State early next year.

Pictured at the event are, from left: Bill Hunt (Warwick District Council), Geoff Brooke-Taylor (Chamber of Commerce), David Myskow (Holiday Inn) and Sophie Howe (also Chamber of Commerce).