Comment

Representation ID: 15822

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)

The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Programme in the Leeds City Region covers 10 West Yorkshire sites. Phase 2 covers nine sites along the M62/A1 corridors including the site identified in the plan. The programme is funded by over £20m through Growth Deal which ends on 31 March 2021.

The reference to EZ sites is welcome and significant progress has already been made on the Bradford EZ sites, particularly at Gain Lane where construction has commenced and Parry Lane where a planning application has been submitted to the council.

However, the EZs business incentives are due to end 31 March 2022 for businesses to locate in EZ areas. The Combined Authority are currently considering options to support these sites beyond the Growth Deal funding, but no decisions have yet been made. To ensure that the Plan is as up to date as possible, we suggest further discussion on the role and status of EZs need to be held prior to the publication draft of the Plan.