Chamber Overview
Thames Valley Chamber supports the thrust of the RES. We have
commented on issue of particular importance to our members and the
Thames Valley economy. We have two specific points to make on the
areas of transport and planning.
Transport
SEEDA must continue to push for improvements in transport infrastructure.
It must also work with Chambers to ensure that the business community
sees real improvements in this area before any resort is made to taxation,
road tolling or other demand reducing measures favoured by central
and local government.
Planning
Business development, rural support, affordable housing and support
for small business depends on the appropriate response of planning
authorities to local needs. The traditional sterile debate over planning
Vs development needs to change if the ambition for the area is to
be realised.
More land must be made available in suitable locations. Planning
authorities must recognise that their decisions must take account
of the economic impact of a refusal to allow development. It is not
acceptable to the Chamber or our members that the lack of suitable
transport can be a reason for refusing an application when in reality
that transport should be provided.
SEEDA Chairman’s Introduction
We agree that transport, housing and skills are key issues facing
the Thames Valley. We welcome the recognition that urgent investment
is required to provide new transport infrastructure. We recognise
that we travel behaviour will need to change along with greater use
of new technology and alternative working arrangements. We recognise
that pockets of exclusion exist and welcome action to improve productivity
and tackle affordable housing issues.
We must highlight the concern that Govt/LA’s must invest in
transport and detail the improvements that will be achieved BEFORE
calling on the business community to provide extra funds, especially
via taxation.
1.3 Benchmarking
Useful to put into context the performance of the Thames Valley
in European terms - 22/23 out of 77. We would like to see attention
given to the environmental impact better performing areas exhibit.
If they manage better performance alongside improved or at least not
worse environment we can perhaps learn from then. Such reference would
help to put our sustainability/environmental issues into context.
1.4 Achieving Sustainable Growth
We are pleased that at last it is recognised that sustainability
means more that simply the environment. We support social progress
and the maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and
employment. We understand the focus on the South East as knowledge
based economy but we highlight that others sectors must not be ignored
to deliver such an objective.
1.6 The Strategy
Smart growth, growth based on productivity and higher value activity
are nice phrases but we need to be assured that they do not obscure
difficult issues which involve planning and expansion issues in specific
areas. A strategy based on smart growth and higher value must not
lead to the restriction of planning and development activity because
it fails to conform to such a strategy. It is all too easy for local
authorities in particular to adopt such definitions as justification
for refusal of otherwise necessary business development.
Economic grown is a delicate thing and we must not assume continual
prosperity. We ask that the strategy is flexible enough to cope with
difficult economic circumstances.
Priority 4 Other Urban Renaissance
Agree with Oxford, Reading, Slough and Woking
Priority 5 Rural Areas
We would like to see recognition given to rural Oxfordshire and
West Berkshire
Assumptions
We agree with the issues identified. Planning flexibility is crucial
too much of the delivery of the strategy and we support in particular
points 5, 6 and 7. In the Chambers experience the conservatism of
the planning system to change must be questioned if it is to support
this strategy rather than act as a brake on activity.
Section 2 Delivering Sustainable Growth
Strategic Priorities for Region
Strategic Priorities 1
We cannot stress the key importance of improved transport infrastructure
and a planning regime, which meets business needs. We recognise that
there must be a balance between the environment and business development
but we do not regard them as mutually exclusive. Seeda has a role
to play in ensuring that local and national government understand
the business case.
Seeda contribution
We support the activity outlined in this section and would highlight
the importance of broadband development and the planning implications
of support for rural business. Outdated planning restrictions must
be challenged if rural communities are to develop and change to cope
with the needs of today’s society.
Seeda contribution to Priority 2
The public sector, especially planning restrictions, needs to
improve if contribution 3 is to be achieved. Space for business, which
requires to expand, must be provided via the planning system.
Seeda contribution to Priority 3
The Chamber of Commerce as a globally recognised and respected organization
is well placed to support this area. We are keen to discuss how the
Chamber may be able to support SEEDA.
2.2 Delivering a skilled and inclusive workforce
Strategic priority 2 – Seeda contribution 5
We also believe that it is scandalous that in our area some one
million people cannot achieve basic standards in reading, writing
and mathematics. This is a terrible indictment on our education service
and a major long-standing concern to business.
While we recognise that much of this refers to adults, SEEDA must
direct attention to schools where this is most appropriate. Business
must be assured that schools and the education system are not continuing
to turn our another generation of young people with these problems.
It is totally unacceptable.
2.4 Building a sustainable future
Transport
We support SEEDA in seeking to ensure that the Regional Transport
Strategy is complementary to the Regional Economic Strategy in that
it supports the needs of competitiveness and economic development.
We highlight our long-standing concern that sustainability must include
employment and economic development in addition to its often-adopted
narrow definition of environmental sustainability.
We expect SEEDA to work with Chambers to lobby local and national
Government to deliver the 10-year transport plan. We support the 3
priorities and action.
Urban Renaissance
Strategic Priority 1 - Seeda contribution
4/5/6 We agree with Seeda support for town centres.
Strategic Priority 2 – Seeda contribution
We welcome the identification of brown field, surplus and other
land for development.
Strategic Priority 3 – Seeda contribution
2. Refer to earlier comments about planning implications of action.
2 Sub Regional, Sectoral and Thematic Priorities
Managing the success of economic development is difficult.
3.4 Thematic Summaries
Affordable Housing
We support seeda contribution to support Housing Corporation case
for more resources
Broadband
We support attempts to deliver throughout Thames Valley
Bill McCardle
Policy
Thames Valley Chamber Group
Email: policy@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
