Government is now officially being asked to consider extending the current enterprise zone at Discovery Park in Sandwich to also cover Thanet.
The final draft of the Kent and Medway Growth Deal document, delivered to Government this week, features as a chapter in the South East LEP'S Strategic Economic Plan.
The strategic plan for Kent and Medway will take forward a coordinated approach to the development of Discovery Park and Manston.
It calls for Government to consider extending Enterprise Zone designation to Manston Business Park, Manston Airport and the Richborough Corridor.
It asks Government to permit Thanet District Council to retain 100% of business rate receipts within the Zone with no impact on their baseline, in order that discounts can be fully funded by receipts above the discount level.
It proposes to allocate £3.5 million in Local Growth Fund finance to support commercial development at Manston and Discovery Park.
It also proposes to support SEFUND investment in commercial and residential development.
Leader of Thanet District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development Cllr Clive Hart proposed an emergency motion on Thursday 20 March to crucial regional meetings concerning exploring the extension of the enterprise zone. This was discussed at the Kent Leader’s meeting and at the Thanet Regeneration Board.
Thanet District Council Leader, Cllr Clive Hart, said: "The recent news of the proposal to consult on possible closure of the airport has been devastating. However, whether or not the site remains as an airport, the proposals to Government in the Kent and Medway Growth Plan for enterprise zone status will give us the very best chance to turn the current situation into a long-term success. I'd like to publicly thank leaders and officers from across Kent and Medway for their sterling support".
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