East Suffolk: Growth Strategy Plans Revealed

6 March 2014, 11:38 | Updated: 6 March 2014, 11:42

The first draft of a plan, setting out the strategy for growth in East Suffolk in the future, has been unveiled.

The East Suffolk Growth Plan 2014 to 2025 lays out proposals to build more prosperity in the area, including creating 900 new enterprises and 10,000 extra jobs in the region.

Cllr Andy Smith, who's the Deputy Leader of Suffolk Coastal and cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development, said: “We want the Growth Plan to create a business environment which delivers jobs in a growing and sustainable economy fit for the 21st century, the housing that is needed to sustain that, but all in a way that sensitively looks after our precious countryside and coast, which make East Suffolk a uniquely attractive place to live, work and play."

“The key to doing that is to attract and support strong businesses, large and small, which alone can provide the means to make all that happen. We hope that people agree that the Plan can help in that, or could suggest any ways in which it could be improved.”

The plan is the work of the East Suffolk Growth Group (ESGG), which was established in 2013 to provide strategic direction to the economic growth of East Suffolk, in line with the local and countywide aspirations. The group is made up of elected members and officers of both Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) and Waveney District Council (WDC).

The group launched its consultation on the plan this week – sending it to selected local organisations and companies, with responses requested by Friday, 28 March.

Cllr Bruce Provan, Waveney District Council’s Cabinet Member said: “A lot of work has gone into developing the East Suffolk Growth Plan to its current stage. It recognises that East Suffolk is a unique place, with distinct economic strengths. We need to harness that strength, linking into the countywide, regional and national plans, to build for the future."

“However, we need to make sure it has the support of the local community. It is essential that we get businesses and other organisations involved in the project and get their feedback on the draft.”