Meeting documents

The Cabinet were asked to consider and approve the most recent version of the Economic Development Strategy for Chiltern and South Bucks Councils 2017 to 2026 so that it could go on to formal consultation with the Council’s Services Overview Committee who would receive the more detailed action plan. The Strategy would also be considered by the Joint Planning Policy Member Reference Group due to links with the emerging Local Plan. If any further changes were suggested the final amended Strategy would be reconsidered by the Cabinet.

The report set out four options: 1) to agree the Economic Development Strategy, themes and Actions; 2) to agree with amendments; 3) to not agree; and, 4) to adopt another Strategy to reinforce the commitment and work towards achieving the vision contained in the Chiltern and South Bucks Joint Business Plan (2015-2020) and Joint Sustainable Community Strategy 2013-2026 as well as the recommendations of the Councils’ 2014 Peer review and to support the emerging Local Plan is recommended.

It was noted that the Strategy had been produced in support of both Councils’ joint business plan. The document would also form part of the evidence base of the joint local plan. It originated from the joint peer review which suggested that the Councils could be more proactive in economic development. During the consultation there had been a good response from local businesses with 219 businesses participating in the online survey. Overall there had been a really good response with lots of positive feedback. A SWOT analysis had been developed with 6 strategic objectives and there were detailed actions for each of the headline points.

The Cabinet expressed thanks to the Director of Services for all her work in helping to develop the Strategy. Members felt that the Strategy was a good starting point, but stressed the importance of ensuring the Strategy resulted in the implementation of positive actions.

Being a joint Strategy Members highlighted that the document would also need to be approved by South Bucks District Council, and would be considered by their Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Some changes were also suggested in relation the geographic references on page five of the document. 

Councillor P Jones was invited to speak, and welcomed the Strategy, but emphasised that actions were the most important part. It was also suggested that perhaps more could have been done sooner. There was also a need to consider the future opportunities, for example, Heathrow expansion. Further detail was therefore required. Members noted that the Council had an economic development budget and would consider how that could be used effectively.

The Cabinet highlighted that King George V House (KGVH) had become more full over time due to letting arrangements, and shared services had increased the numbers of staff working primarily from Amersham. It was suggested that any vacant office space at Capswood might offer opportunities to provide short term space to businesses in this area to support small and newly formed businesses. It was noted that South Bucks was firstly looking to lease space to a single tenant, but would look at all options that were available within the requirements of the current lease, if this proved difficult to achieve.

After a discussion, the Cabinet then

RESOLVED:

That the Economic Development Strategy for Chiltern and South Bucks Councils 2017-2026 be agreed for consultation with the Chiltern Services Overview Committee and be referred to the Planning Policy Joint Member Reference Group due to links with the emerging Local Plan.