The Business and Enterprise Challenges

Alister Scott MRTPI

Outline

• GBSLEP unpacked • Story of the Spatial

Strategy for Recovery and Growth

• Emerging Issues for Planning and Decision- Makers

My role (s)

• RTPI Member and spatial planning champion

• Academic researcher: (Defra, Research Councils UK)

• Member of LEP spatial planning group

• Joint lead of Quality of Life and Environment theme (spatial plan)

Introducing The GBSLEP

Mission• To create Jobs • To grow the economy And in so doing • Raise quality of life for

all the LEP population

Delivering Growth Priorities

LEP Strategy Jigsaw

• Framework = Strategy for Growth

• Delivery Portal = web based for on-going update

• Spatial Plan= integration of key spatial planning issues in the LEP

• Evidence base

Why a Spatial Plan?

• Loss of regional planning layer created strategic planning vacuum

• Need to embed other planning priorities into the LEP agenda to complement ‘Delivering Growth’

• Voluntary partnership of private, public and environmental planners ‘to boldly go’

• Leadership and vision (Dave Carter/Craig Jordan)

Evolution

• Launch of planning charter (February 2012)• Visioning events cross LEP (September 2012) *

including Rufopoly- (led to themed groups ) • Scenario Building and Testing (Nov-Dec 2012) • Conference (April 2013)• Spatial Strategy Draft LEP Board (June 2013)• Public Consultation (Oct-Dec 2013)• Document Revision • Launch (Spring 2014)

Conceptual Framework

• Economy (Jobs ; GVA)• Community (Education;

well being; healthy living) • Environment

(Biodiversity, CO2, Enrich environment

• 2 cross cutting themes Sustainability Connectivity

Strategic Objectives & Policies

• Homes and Communities

• Shaping the Economy • Sustainable Living and

the Environment • Connectivity

Focus of workshop this afternoon

Mapping of Local Plan Allocations (Economy)

Mapping of Local Plan Allocations (Housing Sites)

Distinguishing Features

• Long term flexible plan continually refreshed in light of feedback

• Non-statutory plan; involvement based on perceived value and need

• Using existing/proposed local plans as base to look at strategic gaps and opportunities

• Commission research to fill gaps (e.g. housing need, employment land) with other LEPS

Key Issues for the Long Term

• Spatial plan process as expression of Duty to Cooperate (tensions vs opportunities)

• Significant housing shortfall based on CLG projections (30% shortfall: 110k/153k)

• Housing markets and other Objectives/Policy areas transgress LEP boundaries

• Understated role of agriculture and the fringe• Perceived neglect of community and environment

stakeholders (NIA and LNP) • Additionality provided for by a LEP-led focus

Take Home Messages

• Planners are the facilitators of enterprise• Whole can be greater than sum of parts • Process of plan formation matters as much as

the plan outcome• Spatial plan is boldly going…….. into regional

planning void • BUT Beware of LEP or any sectoral fetish

Finally

• Please provide feedback via the web consultation and survey questionnaire.

• http://centreofenterprise.com/sprgcon/

Contact alister.scott@bcu.ac.uk@bcualisterscott