YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY ITEM 18 Date: 26 September 2017 Report: SEDBERGH ECONOMIC STUDY August 2017 Purpose of the report 1. To consider and respond to the findings of the Sedbergh Economic Study. RECOMMENDATION 2. That the Authority: a. endorses the study as the basis for all partners to consider future investment decisions in Sedbergh; and, b. agrees to contribute officer and/or Member time, as appropriate, to progress the initiative. Strategic Planning Framework 3. The information and recommendation(s) contained in this report are consistent with the Authority s statutory purposes and its approved strategic planning framework: National Park Management Plan & Corporate Plan objectives E1 Promote the National Park as a high quality place to live and work, so as to attract new low impact businesses with high quality jobs, and increase the proportion of young adults and people of working age living in the National Park. Report 4. A study looking at the economic performance and long term viability of Sedbergh has been completed by Douglas Wheeler Associates. It was commissioned by a partnership of South Lakeland District Council, Sedbergh Chamber of Trade, the Parish Council, Sedbergh School and the County Council. The Authority also contributed a small amount of funding to its cost. 5. The study identifies the challenges facing the town and proposes solutions and opportunities for intervention by the community, business and public sector bodies. It recommends an action plan of projects and partnerships and the setting up of a short life economic council to progress these. The conclusions and next steps are set out in the Annex. The full report is available on the Members Extranet.
6. Sedbergh is the largest town in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is 12 minutes from the M6 and therefore has relatively good access to a large part of north west England. It has an active community, an excellent environment and a leading Public School (the largest employer in the area). Hyperfast broadband is expected to be installed in Sedbergh by March 2018. However, in spite of these positives, the study suggests the town is not as successful as it could be and identifies some of the reasons. The YDNPA s role 7. The study s action plan lists the Authority as a partner in a variety of potential projects: a. In its planning policy and development management roles it has influence over future housing and employment land releases, agricultural diversification and specific land uses such as elderly accommodation. New Local Plan policies support a wider range of new visitor accommodation and visitor facilities, aimed at increasing visitor enjoyment, overnight stays and visitor spending. b. the Authority is the lead organisation on public access. It has a key role to play in developing new or improved multi-use trails, supporting cycling and other outdoor activities. The action plan also identifies a role for the Authority in the support of tourism packages, events, branding and the marketing of Sedbergh. c. one of the statutory roles of the Authority is the conservation and enhancement of the area s special qualities, many of which also contribute to Sedbergh s economic activities and its marketing potential. 8. The main recommendation of the study is to set up a short life Sedbergh economic coordinating council, to try to avoid existing organisational overlap. This would require a staffing commitment of an officer or Member of the Authority. Conclusion 9. Sedbergh is the largest settlement in the National Park. The study identifies both the economic and local organisational challenges facing the town. However, it also identifies significant opportunities from investment opportunities that are already proposed, and those set out in the Action Plan. There is also potential for Sedbergh to benefit from the 1.34 million Crossing the Watershed project led by Craven and South Lakeland District Councils with support from the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park Authorities which aims to boost the local economy through celebrating local culture, arts and heritage. 10. Whilst the Authority does not have the primary remit for economic development, it clearly has an important supporting role to play. Sedbergh presents an opportunity to welcome more working age families to live there, because of its proximity to larger centres and the national road and rail network. Peter Stockton Head of Sustainable Development 18 th August 2017