Issues and Options

Yes

St Modwen agree that the focus of the Local Plan Review includes employment growth. The review should include policies to promote economic growth, with an update to Policy 70 of the Local Plan 2030 to reflect the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 which took effect on 1st September 2020. This provides increased flexibility for businesses, which should be reflected in Policy 70.

Red – New settlement based growth

The potential locations for growth include ‘Red – New Settlement based growth’ including the four potential new settlements options considered in the preparation of the Local Plan 2030 but not taken forward. The potential new settlement options include Thurleigh Airfield. However, St Modwen have subsequently confirmed that they will not be promoting a new settlement at Thurleigh Airfield through the Local Plan Review process. St Modwen continue to own and manage Thurleigh Airfield as a business park and support its continued allocation for employment use, classified as Protect and Enhance. Under the Local Plan 2030 sites classified as Protect and Enhance play the primary role in supporting economic development and growth by offering attractive and available opportunities for development to retain and support existing businesses and to secure new inward investment. These sites, and in particular brownfield sites such as Thurleigh Airfield, should be identified and prioritised as a location for employment growth.

Thurleigh Airfield is an established business park and an existing allocated employment site, classified as Protect and Enhance, in the Local Plan 2030. St Modwen support Thurleigh Airfield’s continued allocation for employment use, classified as Protect and Enhance.

As set out in response to Q1 the flexibility introduced by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 should be reflected in policies for economic growth.