Policy EMP5 – Improving Access to the Labour Market

Object

Representation ID: 43867

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Pegasus

8.1 The Plan seeks to promote and support employment in manufacturing, research and development, warehousing and other uses that are appropriately located in industrial employment areas. It recognises that, as well as attracting high growth knowledge-based industries requiring more prestigious sites, there is also a need to accommodate a variety of business needs including start-ups and smaller businesses which will necessitate a mixed portfolio of sites to be made available. Taylor Wimpey supports this balanced approach to the delivery of employment land but considers that the plan should recognise the changing nature of much employment, including following the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen a shift towards home working and potentially consider the inclusion of local employment 'hubs' which would allow for working in close proximity to residents' homes whilst allowing for the more social aspects of office working.
Improving Access to the Labour Market
8.2 Policy EMP5 includes provision for developments to secure initiatives and/or contributions to a range of measures to benefit the local community, including the potential for working with local colleges and universities, either by condition or obligation. Whilst Taylor Wimpey has an extensive track record of investing in communities and is supportive of the benefits that this brings, Policy EMP5 should be clear that planning conditions and obligations can only be sought where they are necessary to make a development acceptable in planning terms.

Comment

Representation ID: 45892

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Transport for West Midlands

Whilst this policy aims to enhance accessibility to new development by a choice of transport options, we feel this needs to be expanded upon, especially because the distribution of employment opportunities often place the greatest demands on transport. The policy should more strongly address improving access to employment, especially by sustainable options. It should also set out how investment in transport across the Black Country can support the economic recovery from COVID-19, both in terms of direct employment to deliver on our infrastructure and services and through improved accessibility to employment opportunities.

Fully understanding exactly how investment in infrastructure then links to job creation and leveraging in jobs for local people across the Black Country is vitally important across the wider WMCA, and this is something Officers can assist with through making links with relevant colleges and providers.

It would further be beneficial for this section to set out how employment land proposals have taken into account the impacts of COVID-19 – especially concerning requirements for office space. Under policy DEL3: Promotion of Fibre to the premises and 5G networks.