A BLUEPRINT to guide economic growth in Calderdale has been given the backing of councillors.
Members of the Regeneration and Development Scrutiny Panel agreed that the Economy and Enterprise Strategy would support the transformation of communities and narrow the gap between the affluent and more disadvantaged areas of Calderdale.
Clr Barry Collins, chairman of the panel, said: “The panel agreed that the environment should be the DNA that runs through future planning – it needs to be at the heart of all our decision making.
“We should aim to develop the green business, leisure and tourism opportunities offered by Calderdale’s unique setting.
“We have wonderful countryside within a setting of fine market towns, so let’s take full advantage of magical combination.”
The other key strands of the strategy will be to:
Make the most of Calderdale’s location – between Leeds and Manchester
Focus development on the town centres
Build a vision for transport, emphasising the Calder Valley rail line and access to major conurbations
Improve community skills
Focus on key sector businesses, including financial services, manufacturing and business start-up
Offer training and development support to Calderdale residents by moving the borough up the higher education agenda.
The proposed strategy is subject to consultation with the Local Strategic Partnership, residents, agencies and business.
