This report provides an update on the investigatory work that has been undertaken in order to support a proposed new strategic employment site at Leeming Bar and evidence its deliverability; highlight the conclusions from the initial investigatory work; and highlight the next steps and request approval for funding to progress these activities and investigates the business case for Council involvement in implementation.

In accepting the recommendations, a budget of up to £43,500 will be allocated to cover the investigatory services as identified in Section 4.3 of the report and this will be funded from the Economic Development Fund; and a further report will be brought to Cabinet on the business case for Council involvement in the implementation of the project.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided an update on the investigatory work that had been undertaken in order to support a proposed new strategic employment site at Leeming Bar and evidence its deliverability; highlighted the next steps and requested approval for funding to progress these activities and investigated the business case for Council involvement in implementation.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The Council was preparing a new Local Plan that would, amongst other things, set out is economic growth ambitions to 2035.  Once adopted, the Local Plan would be a key tool which would underpin the priorities on the Council’s Economic Strategy and the Inward Investment Strategy.  This site had been identified as a potential site which could be developed in a phased approach with an initial allocation of 15.8 Ha’s in the new Local Plan.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)        a budget of up to £43,500 be allocated to cover the investigatory services as identified in Section 4.3 of the report and for this to be funded from the Economic Development fund; and

(2)        a further report be brought to Cabinet on the business case for Council involvement in the implementation of the project.