Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated North East Lincolnshire plan

Picture shows Novartis Ings - one of two specially created wildlife habitat areas along the Humber bank, which offset industrial development to ensure nature is protected and enhanced.

Future job opportunities in North East Lincolnshire’s growing renewables sector and the potential of the Humber Freeport will be assessed, as a picture is painted of how local life will look in the decades ahead. The next stage of updating the borough’s Local Plan includes external experts examining key factors that will help outline the necessary growth between 2023 and 2042.

A key priority is to establish the number of new homes required to support the local population and meet the needs of people who will come to the area or decide to stay because of job opportunities.

Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, thanked people for taking part in an initial public engagement held last autumn. And he said he looked forward to seeing others’ views when full public engagement of the draft updated Local Plan takes place later this year.

“The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all,” said Cllr Jackson.

Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and creating jobs in the area, meeting local housing demand, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle.

Cllr Jackson said that gaining a real understanding of the economic opportunities that are set to be a reality in North East Lincolnshire will shape the look and feel of the updated Local Plan here.

Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed – figures that are set to grow along the south bank of the Humber estuary. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire.

“We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health and green offer must live up to the expectations that young people and families have.

“This means developing with consideration providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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