Businesses in Nuneaton and Bedworth have been urged to feedback to the borough council on three consultations.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire branch hosted Ash Baldwin from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s planning, policy and economic team at the offices of Stewart Fletcher Barrett.
He presented three consultations to the 40 business people gathered at the event and asked for feedback on the Borough Plan, the plan for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
The Borough Plan details how Nuneaton and Bedworth will aim to meet its target for more than 10,000 new homes to be created in the area before 2031 but Baldwin also explained that a further 4,000 could be needed as Coventry is unable to meet its target.
He also highlighted where 52 hectares of employment land will be integrated into the borough.
Baldwin presented where possible traveller sites could be situated and fielded a range of questions on the topic, particularly from companies based on the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate which is situated close to one of the proposed sites.
He then outlined how the new CIL would help the Borough Council raise money for infrastructure from new housing and commercial development. It is proposed that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council will charge £50 per square metre on new housing scheme and £100 per square metre on warehousing and retail.
But Baldwin said that – like with the Borough Plan and the plan for travellers – feedback from businesses was wanted.
He said: “We want to hear from businesses – as well as members of the public – on all of the consultations. Time is running out when it comes to the Borough Plan but we want feedback from companies all on all three because that will come into consideration.”
Paul Carvell, the chair of the Chamber’s North Warwickshire Branch and recently appointed president of the Chamber, said: “It was an excellent presentation and we were very grateful to Ash, who fielded some tough questions and didn’t shirk any of them.
“I would only echo what he said – that it’s vital for all businesses to take a look at the consultation documents and offer considered feedback to the council on all three.”
He added: “This is what the Chamber is about – bringing businesses together to inform them of what is happening in their area and also to help provide a voice on issues that affect them.”