The study is required to develop the Authority's understanding of:

• structure, characteristics, opportunities and limitations of the local economy;
• suitability and adequacy of existing Local Plan employment policies and land designations;

Requirements and Outputs of the Study

The study has 3 main elements as set out below.

The study should provide the Authority with an overview of the sub-regional economic context, the local economy, and the requirements, limitations and pressures of the market to ensure that the policies and proposals of the LDF are appropriate and realistic. The study should review the structure, characteristics, opportunities and limitations of the local economy drawing conclusions as to the issues, needs and demands which should be addressed through the LDF (e.g. the range of business sectors, and of size and quality of sites/premises). The study should consider how market demands affect locational preferences and the commercial viability of employment land, and the range of development opportunities (e.g. speculative development, bespoke development and self-build) and the size of allocations, plots and units to meet the demands. The study should also consider the needs and demands arising from the experience and relocation of existing local businesses as well as from inward investment.

The study should review the current provision of employment land and buildings in the Borough Local Plan, having regard to location, quantity, quality and developability. This review should include a re-assessment of existing employment allocations considering the suitability of these sites, their current usage, their commercial viability and potential market demands. This review should consider the current Local Plan policy restrictions on the use of employment land, the actual character and use of existing employment land designations and the pressure for land from other forms of development, including housing and retail development and other uses which may have high employment potential.

The study should make recommendations as to the general location and type of employment land and buildings required to meet the needs and demands of the Borough, having regard to the economic assessment and the current supply of land and buildings.

The information, conclusions and recommendations from the study should provide the Authority with the basis for appropriate and effective LDF employment policies and proposals. The Authority will be seeking to ensure an adequate supply of employment land and buildings to provide an appropriate range and choice of sites in terms of their location, quality, type, size and target business sectors to help deliver sustainable economic growth up to 2021 to satisfy local needs and sub-regional policy objectives.

KEY POINTS FROM DISCUSSION

• M54 High technology corridor - need to push for extension of corridor to Shrewsbury in order to promote profile of Borough
• Low wage levels - surrounding rural areas will naturally bring down average wage levels. However type of business's and presence town has gives impression of higher wages. Inward investors look for low wage levels
• Shrewsbury has a lot to offer businesses, including great environment and high quality town centre
• Time needed to bring forward Business Parks, investment in infrastructure etc
• Availability of land needs to respond to the market pressure. Rental values have responded which should spur private sector
• Messages from LA's are important for the image of the area and attractiveness to investors.
• More businesses still wish to relocate out of town centre - 'decanting' appropriate as provides space for housing in town centre. Historic core of Shrewsbury means some buildings can not accommodate needs of the businesses. Businesses want good premises, parking and accessibility.
• Concerns with policy on conversion of agricultural buildings. Policy EM4 seeks commercial use of 49% of floorspace tied to the occupier. This is too large - not practical/ viable. Use traditional brick built buildings for residential modern agricultural buildings for commercial? Many buildings becoming available.
• Change of policy to help commercial development in rural areas, both new build and conversion?
• But concern about extra traffic on rural roads brought in by industry
• Shortfall of business starter units and managed workspace. Need to cater for entrepreneurs/small business.
• Need to be linked to Business Support Services
• Entrepreneurs park? Cheap and cheerful
• Shrewsbury ranks number 5 of 100 locations for home working (BT survey)
• Need to protect the environment (important for tourism) whilst allowing economic development of appropriate scale - getting the appropriate balance

Below are two PowerPoint presentations shown during the workshop

BE Group Presentation

SABC Presentation