Our client supports the objective of contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy. Specifically, supporting the bullet point that boost the performance of the local economy by supporting local businesses to grow and innovate; and attracting
inward investment and re-locations, through the provision of a portfolio of good quality employment land that meets the needs of businesses; and to secure and extend higher value employment opportunities; and reduce out-commuting.

However, we consider that there are some objectives that need to be tightened to ensure that the overall vision for Medway is not being limited.

In a response to the Development Options consultation, provided in April 2017. It was set out that Medway’s economy is lagging behind the county and national averages, with productivity running at two thirds of the national level, whilst productivity in terms of GVA is the lowest in the South-East region (despite being the largest city in Kent and one of the largest in the South East). We therefore, wish to re-affirm our previous comments:
“We therefore believe it is imperative that the Council reflects, in its Local Plan, the intention to be supportive of those businesses that are able to maintain and contribute to the growth of GVA. Especially where, in the case of AC Goatham and Son and its
growing partners, current annual GVA of the business is £13.75 million. Our client
therefore supports the vision that the Local Plan priorities should (as set out at paragraph
2.12) “boost economic performance through supporting local businesses and attracting
inward investment”.
Furthermore, the Kent and Medway Growth Deal 2014 recognises that to unlock economic potential “backing business expansion through better access to finance and support” should be taken forward in the Local Plan. It is currently not included in the
wording of the strategic economic objective and this is considered an omission.
This representation promotes Bloors Farm which is a large site that has the potential to deliver a mixed-use scheme. On this basis, jobs could be created through the provision of development of this site. This statement considers that there is an omission in the
overarching objective which supports a competitive economy as at fails to mention the construction industry as an important an influential model for delivering growth and supporting a competitive economy in the local area.

Further to this, the provision of a large residential scheme will enable the provision of jobs through the construction of dwellings and associated infrastructure.

The ‘Plan for Growth’ published by HM Treasury in March 2011 recognises that a successful construction industry is vital for sustainable growth in the UK and sets out that this includes the construction and maintenance of homes.
It notes that providing new homes in the right places is vital for future economic competitiveness.