Core Strategy Submission Document

EEDA welcomes priority 6 of the council's Sustainable Community Strategy which seeks to encourage a thriving and enterprising economy. This will be achieved through realising the potential of London Southend Airport as a key employment opportunity within the district, and the production of a Joint Area Action Plan to strategically relocate employment land in the district. The Thames Gateway area is a national priority for regneration and growth with the need to accommodate 3000 jobs within the district of Rochford.

The Core Strategy identifies that Rochford has a small but productive and enterprising economy albeit with an employment market of basic and intermediate skills, rather than high skills. A significant proportion of the Rochford workforce commute of the district however the location of Southend Airport has the potential to be a focus and catalyst for economic growth. EEDA support policy ED1 which seeks to diversify and modernise the economy through the growth of exisitn new business providing high value employment.

By addressing these key elements of the Regional Economic Strategy, the Core Strategy will provide the context needed to maintain the prosperity of the East of England, enhancing regional competitiveness and giving support to business growth. The Council's apsiration for and Eco Enterprise Centre as a focul point for business in the form of an enterprise or incubation hub would increase the offer for start up businesses within the district. Its aim to be an exemplar in sustainable construction and act as flagship building further enhances this offer both in terms of high specification office space and the benefits relating to this in terms of low energy costs. It should further encourage the inward investment of businesses whilst aiding in the creation of higher value jobs.

The Regional Economic Strategy clearly identifies the potential of the airport as a key transport gateway for the Thames Gateway, as previously identified in representation for Policy ED1. EEDA welcomes policy ED2 for London Southend Airport and the Councils joint approach with Southend Borough Council to develop and Area Action Plan. This approach should ensure that the role of the airport and its potential as a focus and catalyst for economic growth can be fully harnessed.

EEDA welcomes the Employment Land Study and supports the key recommendations of the report and therefore supports Policy ED3 - Existing Employment Land in relation to this.