Sedgemoor District Council – whose joint bid for Enterprise Zone status for the Huntspill Energy Park near Burnham-On-Sea was the largest nationally to make it into the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – is wasting no time in taking the project forward.

Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last month that the Huntspill Energy Park was approved by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement as part of a £65.2m funding deal with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP).

Working with the group and other local authorities, Sedgemoor says it is keen not to lose any momentum for the scheme, which it hopes will generate thousands of new jobs in the area.

The focus in the next few weeks for the Huntspill site will be on ensuring that everything is in place to assist with the re-development of the former Royal Ordnance Factory, now owned by BAE Systems, including the necessary infrastructure improvements, planning processes and prospectuses.

Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Duncan McGinty said: “Building on our manufacturing past, our innovation and our close association with Hinkley Point over the decades, this status as an Enterprise Zone will give us the boost we need to capitalise on our clear ability to respond to this Country’s energy needs now and in the future.”

Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth Cllr Anne Fraser added: “The Enterprise Zone will help with the determination to keep as much of the supply chain for the construction for Hinkley Point C as local as possible and was an excellent fit with the strategic growth plans for the district and the LEP.”

“The fact that the LEP will be able to keep 100% of the growth in business rates over 25 years which can be re-invested in related infrastructure and other developments is extremely good news,” she said.

“We are looking forward to working with the developer on the detailed plans to realise the full potential of the site.”

Also see:
Huntspill Energy Park go-ahead could bring new jobs to Burnham area

 
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