Response from Mr John Ashford, Ashford Associates
1. Mr John Ashford, Ashford Associates : 30 May 2008 10:22:00
To which part of the Report does your representation relate?
Paragraph or Section
3.97 - 3.102 Options Considered: Alternative Sustainable Economy Options; Options 1 - 5
Please state as clearly as you can the exact part of the Report you are commenting on by quoting the page number (if known), paragraph number, option name or number, or the number of the map, figure or table.
Page 82; paragraph 3.102; Portion 5A.
Do you support, oppose or have an observation about this part of the Report?
Support
Please write your comment or explain your reasons for supporting or opposing this part of the Report. You may also wish to refer to the tests of soundess in the glossary of the Preferred Options document before making your comments.
Through a public consultation, my colleague David Rowlands and I have engaged with Kendal Economic Regeneration Plan, and from working with groups within the consultation, an idea evolved to create a centre of excellence in design with ‘green’ credentials.
Over the past 12 months, market research has led us to concentrate on design and implementation of sustainable energy in terms of efficiency and renewables. We now have a business plan in place, with an office base at Lancaster University Environment Centre for developing cluster activity in:
(a) energy management and efficiency
(b) renewable systems
(c) contaminated land remediation
The business plan, which will be operated by Business Clusters Limited is putting forward this proposal to develop a technology park creating a cluster in the above technologies and other knowledge based activities.
The objective is to establish a cluster that will generate 450 jobs in the Technology Park over 5 years, requiring a site of up to 7 hectares.
This initiative, in line with PO.5, is backed by:
• PO.8 – Accessibility and Transport
• PO.21 – Education and Skills Development
• PO.24 – Sustainable Energy
The Shenstone site has been identified for this economic expansion, requiring additional land to the south-west of the site, providing the benefits of better economic yield and over and above the 2 hectares which have planning approval for B1 use.
Kendal will maintain its status as a principle service centre and the Technology Park can be supported by activities such as consultancy and financial services at the Canal Head and Oxenholme sites. It is envisaged that financial services will be required to establish an investment fund.
Through my involvement in Ashford Associates Properties Ltd and development of Parkside Business Park, I am aware of the shortage of employment land in the Kendal area and the requirement for both indigenous and inward-investing businesses requiring suitable premises.
further support was received from kendal College and the University of Cumbria regarding this responce
What change(s) would you suggest for this part of the Report?
We propose that plans for the project will include a visitor and education centre for renewable energy, raising the profile of South Lakeland and supporting the area objective of becoming leaders in carbon reduction.
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Submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination
Adopted by the District Council