‘Compelling’ case for enterprise zone

THE man behind plans to generate 14,000 new jobs around Coventry Airport says proposals to solve traffic problems at the notorious Tollbar island make the case “totally compelling”.

Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership last week submitted its bid to the government to create an ‘enterprise zone’ on land at and around the airport after receiving backing from Warwick District Council, Coventry City Council and Rugby Borough Council.

If approved, the zone would create 14,000 jobs by 2028, and at least 4,000 by 2015. Created to nurture private sector growth, the zones give companies incentives such as five years’ discount on business rates and relaxed planning rules. Extra business rates generated will also be redistributed in the area they were paid.

If accepted, the zone would be one of 21 created by the Government. Warwick District Council last week gave the bid unanimous ‘in principle’ support.

Coventry and Warwickshire partnership chairman Denys Shortt, said: “The Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway Enterprise Zone is the most important business development to in our region for many years. We believe we have an extremely strong case for an Enterprise Zone, which meets all the Government criteria and more.”

The zone would be built in three phases, starting on land surrounding Jaguar Land Rover’s Whitley site, moving onto land around the Stonebridge trading estate and finally around Middlemarch business park.

The scheme would include improvements to the A45 to alleviate traffic at Tollbar island, and a scheme to block access to Baginton along Rowley Road, with a residents-only card scheme.

Mr Shortt added: “It is a superb location which is perfect for helping to stimulate the Coventry and Warwickshire economy. Not only will the plan see the creation of business parks offering great employment opportunities but the development of the gateway itself will be a key economic driver for the future of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“We believe those factors would present a very strong case, but when you then add in the improvements to the A45 and the solution to a long running traffic problem, then I believe it is totally compelling.”

At Warwick District Council’s meeting last week, the only concerns raised about the bid were the description of the zone’s location as ‘at’ Coventry Airport, and wording suggesting that the creation of the zone automatically justified building on green belt land.

Local enterprise partnerships were created by the Coalition to replace regional development agencies such as Advantage West Midlands.

Mr Shortt added: “This bid sums up what the LEP is all about. It has taken a huge amount of work by the private and public sectors, collaboration between local authorities, vision from all parties and a huge determination to make it work for the good of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy.

“This is a catalyst for real and sustained prosperity and a powerful symbol of the aspiration that we have for our communities. I am tremendously excited about its potential.”