Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which sought approval to progressthe developmentof speculativebusiness units seekon land owned by the council at South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland, as part of the Stronger Towns Programme (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships said that the development of high quality premises on Council employment sites was one of the main priorities in the Council’s inclusive economic strategy as the shortage of industrial units within the County was restricting the growth of both new and existing companies, with demand constantly outstripping supply. The shortage was particularly acute in the Bishop Auckland area. The project was a key part of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Programme and the units would support more than twenty businesses and over 110 jobs.

Cllr R Bell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance commented that it was important that the Cabinet made good use of government funding and external funding to create more and better jobs. Rental income from the completed units would pay the council’s upfront funding meaning that the proposal was a prudent financial investment.

Councillor M Wilkes, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change commended the work the Council was doing to grow the County and the work of the Joint Administration in investing in every part of the County to boost employment. Councillor Wilkes praised the work done by the Portfolio Holder and Council staff for all their work in this regard.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.