Our response to 16-19 has been combined for the simple reason that we consider all four options will need to be considered. The reason for this is due to both the significant volume of additional employment land that needs to be identified and the need for a range of sites in terms of scale and nature to be identified. All options therefore need to be considered to ensure that the right types of sites are identified to meet the need identified in the EDNA and to attract the right occupiers.

The EDNA identifies a need for strategic/premium and local quality employment sites, with the majority of the need relating to the former. The EDNA also identifies that the bulk of inquiries relates to logistics and manufacturing. Combined these clearly lead to a conclusion that a large proportion of the new employment land will need to be directed toward the strategic network corridor (i.e. M5, M6 and M54). These locations will not only meet the need identified, but will also be attractive to high profile occupiers, which can act as a catalyst to build upon and improve the growth seen in recent years. I54 is prime example of this and it was only because South Staffordshire Council, combined with the BCAs, had the foresight to make this site available in this strategic location that JLR considered it as a potential location. In that particular instance, JLR were also considering locations outside of the UK, so the loss could have been a national one, rather than just a regional one. By securing these high profile occupiers this also presents the opportunity for other companies to secure significant spin off benefits (e.g. those in the supply chain).

The focus on the strategic highway network is essential, but will limit the search area, because the focus will be on the M5, M6 and M54 corridor. What is evident on a review of these corridors is that currently strategic employment sites (i.e. i54 and four ashes) are located to the north of the conurbation and that there is currently nothing of this nature to the south of the conurbation. Exploring a strategic employment site to the south of the conurbation near to junction 3 of the M5 should, therefore, be a priority. This location also has good access back to the workforce.

Harris Lamb has one of the largest and most successful industrial agency teams within the West Midlands. It is clear from their extensive experience and contacts that if a site was delivered near Junction 3 of the M5 that occupiers would be identified very quickly and delivery secured on the ground. This is important if the BCAs want to continue to build upon recent successes.