S9 Economic Vitality

S9 Economic Vitality

The Borough’s economic base will be safeguarded, strengthened and where appropriate diversified through :

the provision and maintenance of a balanced portfolio of land for new industrial development;
the use of previously-developed land and the reuse of buildings;
the maintenance and protection of a geographical spread of employment sites;
the promotion and growth of cluster development;
the promotion of new knowledge based industry;
the concentration of service sector jobs within the Borough’s town centres; and
the promotion of tourism, leisure and entertainment.

1.49 The Council wishes to move towards the provision of a balanced portfolio of industrial land within the Borough by using brownfield sites. Regional Planning Guidance notes that the availability of high quality sites is an important part of any industrial portfolio and for this reason the release of a limited amount of green belt land for such uses is advocated. It also notes that land up to a maximum of 120 hectares may be required to meet the needs of the Black Country and at April 1999 63 hectares have been identified to meet those needs. This policy is supported by the Council with the proviso that good public transport links are achieved as part of any development proposal.

1.50 Prior to the adoption of the 1993 UDP the Borough was losing industrial land to other uses at an alarming rate, threatening the economic base of the Borough. Since 1993 this tide of change has been stemmed. The Council is committed to ensuring that by 2011 an adequate supply and range of industrial land exists in all parts of the Borough to meet the employment needs of local people. Wherever possible the Council will promote the provision of job opportunities for the people of the Borough, including meeting the needs of ‘community economic development’ and supporting training schemes to help local people to obtain the necessary skills to enter employment. There is a need to branch out and take the opportunities for growth offered by the promotion of cluster development.

1.51 Office development generates high levels of movement, all too often by car. The Borough’s town centres are the most accessible areas for public transport and therefore office development in town centre locations will give the opportunity to minimise car use, reduce congestion and energy consumption.

1.52 Dudley possesses a number of significant tourist attractions based largely on its natural resources and industrial heritage, the most notable being the Borough’s glass industry. Tourism, leisure and entertainment facilities will be promoted in the plan particularly in the Borough’s town centres, but will not be allowed to undermine the main employment areas shown on the Proposals Map.

1.53 A review of the Borough’s economy will be informed by the Black Country Study.

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