Issue - meetings

To update the Committee on the progress made in developing a Economic Development Strategy for Cheshire East.

The Committee gave consideration to the draft Economic Development Strategy prior to it being circulated for consultation. It was reported that the draft strategy was intended to:

·        Set out our understanding of the current state of the economy of Cheshire East, and identifies its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

·        Identify key spatial economic development priorities for the borough

·        Support and guide the LSP in the preparation of the Sustainable Community Strategy

·        Support the development of the Transport Strategy (LTP) and the LDF Core Strategy

·        Provide the wider economic context for the development/implementation of the Visitor Economy Strategy

·        Provide the context for influencing sub-regional and regional policy development.

Members made the following comments and recommendations on the draft strategy:

• That it be made clear in the strategy that there is no assumption that Congleton or other towns are being defined as dormitory towns.
• That the strategy should be about delivering positive outcomes rather than meeting targets.
• That an update on the redevelopment of Macclesfield and Crewe be circulated to the Committee.
• Members raised questions relating to the relationship and future plans of Wilson Bowden
• That details on what proportion of Macclesfield and Crewe is owned by Cheshire East Council be circulated to the Committee and that reference in the strategy is made to the role that Cheshire East Council and other partners have as land and property owners across the borough, as tools for economic development.
• That the authority place more emphasis on reinvigorating the manufacturing industry and employment in Cheshire East.
• That the food and agricultural sector is an important part of the Cheshire East economy.
• That the cultural weaknesses highlighted in the SWOT analysis need to be addressed.
• That there are several contradictions in the SWOT analysis relating to high levels of quality of life yet deprivation within the same communities.
• With regard to employment the Committee felt that the authority should be supporting new businesses and that business sites such as Basford should be promoted.
• That the final draft strategy be brought back to the Committee for consideration.

RESOLVED

That the comments and recommendations highlighted above be taken into consideration and the final strategy be brought back to the Committee on 21 December 2010.