Appoint consultants to complete an Employment Land Review that would inform planning policy formulation, monitoring and review for the following Councils:

• Babergh District Council;
• Ipswich Borough Council; and
• Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The Employment Land Review would cover the following aspects:

• Consider and evaluate employment uses/ sites within each district;
• Assess the employment needs and demands in each district;

Identify a portfolio of new sites suitable for employment purposes.

Project Scope

Appointment of consultants and completion of Employment Land Review.

Aims

To ensure that appropriate evidence would inform suitable and sufficient land to be allocated in planning policy documents as well as informing appropriate planning policy regarding employment land.

Outcomes

Likely contribution to the 30 000 new jobs by 2021 and balancing housing growth; as well as local and wider economic growth.

Status

Funding for 2008/09: £80,000

IDP Package: Transport

Status as at 30 September 2008:

• Procurement arrangements for the work currently being made.

Status as at 31 December 2008:

• Originally Babergh District Council were to lead this project, now to be lead by the Haven Gateway Partnership
• Discussions ongoing with Babergh, Suffolk Coastal and Ipswich on the brief

Status as at 31 March 2009:

• New project plan developed and agreed.
• Tender exercise underway.

Status as at 30 June 2009:

• Strategic sites review report completed.
• Draft final report completed.

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• Final draft received but further amendments required.
• Main conclusions presented to Ipswich Policy Area Group in September and agreed by those present.
• Formal sign-off by Local Authorities to follow.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Project complete.