Prosperity
Prosperity
To create a district of opportunity – a place where our communities can thrive, our people prosper and our environment is cherished for all to enjoy.
Priority 1
Ensure district growth is sustainable and accessible with strong connectivity and infrastructure.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Deliver physical improvements to Halstead and Witham Town Centres. | Providing enhanced urban environments with diverse community appeal through improved signage, way-finding, and street furniture. | July 2024 |
| Work with communities to implement Neighbourhood Plans in Steeple Bumpstead, Hatfield Peverel and Earls Colne. | Enabling communities to play a role in shaping their areas. Neighbourhood Plans used in the determination of planning applications. |
March 2025 |
| Revise the Local Plan in line with recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. | To set a refreshed framework for sustainable development across the district until 2041. | June 2025 |
| Develop an affordable housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). | Support planning policies by providing the context of when and how affordable housing can be delivered across the district. | December 2024 |
| Develop a design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). | Support planning policies by providing detailed guidance to ensure the future development of the district is of the highest design standards. | June 2025 |
Priority 2
Attract and support business growth, providing high quality employment opportunities in high growth To create a district of opportunity – a place where our sectors and industries.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Develop the Councils inward investment activity in association with the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB). | Attract new businesses and grow existing businesses. Bring new and better jobs into the district. |
March 2025 |
| Create an additional meeting area and multimedia space at the Plaza | Increased capacity at The Plaza to support businesses. | September 2024 |
| Provide planning permission for the remaining plots at Horizon 120 | Land available for sale for potential development opportunities. | October 2024 |
| Confirm the viability of the Council delivering the enterprise site at Witham | Decision reached regarding the Council delivering the project | December 2024 |
Priority 3
Provide tailored business support and access to funding to help businesses thrive and innovate.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| In association with the North Essex Economic Board, provide business support services focused on enhancing digital skills, financial management and business growth. | Businesses are supported to grow and innovate. | March 2025 |
| Through the Shared Prosperity Fund, deliver a Green Business Expo. | Showcasing green solutions to boost business growth and become carbon neutral. Funding accessed to implement green initiatives. |
June 2024 |
| Through the Shared Prosperity Fund, deliver a Digital Business Expo. | Showcasing digital solutions to boost business growth and improve efficiencies. Funding accessed to implement digital initiatives. |
October 2024 |
Priority 4
Develop skills that are attractive to employers and support residents to access opportunities to improve their economic wellbeing.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Through the Shared Prosperity Fund, deliver a green skills programme. | Supporting people to gain qualifications and employment in green skills that are needed in new and existing sectors. | March 2025 |
| Organise and deliver a jobs fair in the district. | People are connected to prospective employers to explore new career opportunities. | October 2024 |
Download the Annual Plan for 2024/25