Employment forecasts prompt south-east council to expand

A local authority planning for tens of thousands of extra jobs across its district has expanded its planning service to meet anticipated extra workloads.

Braintree District Council recently recruited Ian MacDougall from Bristol City Council to take on the new post of economic development manager.

Head of economic development and regeneration Peter Smith told Planning: “We have an economic development prospectus that has set 14,000 jobs growth in the district to 2026.

“And that is likely to increase as we have just increased our housing figures and are setting about a new local plan with more housing. That in turn will require even more jobs.

“We have key strategic employment sites that are well served by a good network of main roads, given out location near to Stansted Airport and ports such as Harwich.”

Smith added: “A key part of the new job is to identify employment sites and other key infrastructure to bring forward projects to help push our ambitious growth strategy. 

“As home to thriving towns and some leading edge businesses, we’re building a strong reputation in the business community.”

MacDougall's responsibilities will include refining strategies to create economic growth, developing and delivering major infrastructure projects and working with planners, employers and developers to encourage long-term expansion. 

(Pic shows Braintree Enterprise Centre which provides business start-up units)

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