Warwickshire planners focus on economic growth

Planners at a Warwickshire council are ramping up their focus on economic development in a bid to create jobs and boost local investment.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council principal planning and economic development officer Ashley Baldwin told Planning: “Our main focus right now is on driving the local economy. 

"We are working closely with the commercial sector, exploring investment opportunities to further stimulate employment and growth. 

“It’s a great time to join our team, there’s so much going on and opportunities to get involved in some fantastic new projects.

“We are looking for investment in terms of new employment land and our team will work closely with the commercial sector.”

Baldwin said that last year the council merged its planning policy and economic development teams to help ensure a joined-up strategic approach to encourage investment and growth of the economy, which is a corporate priority. 

The council is looking to recruit two planning policy officers to prepare planning policy documents, carry out evidence-based work and deal with external partners.

Baldwin said other tasks included commenting on planning applications and working on development strategy.

“The roles offer a variety of planning and development work. Alongside the usual array of local planning tasks, there will be the chance to get involved in formulating strategy and in managing relationships with external partners.”