Agenda item

Economic Development Strategy

Decision:

DECISION MADE:

That the changes to the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan as set out in Appendix 3 to the report of the Director of Regeneration and Communities be agreed and that the draft Economic Development Strategy is adopted as the Council’s Strategy to support economic growth and prosperity for the Borough.

Minutes:

Members were presented with some urgent updates and the meeting was adjourned for several minutes in order that the papers could be read.

After the meeting was reconvened the Economic Development Manager presented his report.  It was noted that the previous Economic Development Strategy was produced prior to the recession in 2008 and it was therefore vital for a new Economic Development Strategy to be produced to give Maidstone a direction of travel in terms of jobs and economic growth.

Members heard from members of Shared Intelligence who were commissioned to assist in the preparation of the Strategy and Facts International who carried out the residents’ consultation.

It was noted that the Strategy would formulate a programme of actions to take forward the journey to deliver the Council’s vision by 2031.

 

In response to concerns from some Members that Junction 8 had been specifically identified in paragraph 6.21 of the Strategy, it was emphasised that this had been included to demonstrate where suitable sites had been identified and also because it was in the Local Plan.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Stockell and seconded by Councillor Round that paragraph 6.21 of the draft Economic Development Strategy be removed from the Strategy.  When put to the vote this proposal was lost.

Voting:    For – 4   Against – 11   Abstain – 0

RESOLVED:  That the changes to the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan as set out in Appendix 3 to the report of the Director of Regeneration and Communities be agreed and that the draft Economic Development Strategy be adopted as the Council’s Strategy to support economic growth and prosperity for the Borough.

Voting:  For – 11  Against – 3  Abstain – 1

Councillor McKay left the meeting after this agenda item had concluded.

Supporting documents: