Consultation to extend Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone for another 15 years

South Holland District Council has initiated a consultation to extend the Food Enterprise Zone in Holbeach by another 15 years.

The zone, designed to draw businesses leading the agri-food sector, has benefited from a Local Development Order (LDO) over the past five years.

This LDO simplifies the planning approval process by establishing the planning policy groundwork in advance.

However, plans do still have to go through the application process.

The LDO, building on the site’s 30-year history as a National Centre for Food Manufacturing, has played a key role in luring businesses to the region and stimulating local development since it was created in 2018.

It involves work with partners such as Lincolnshire County Council, the University of Lincolnshire and the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership.

The proposed LDO extension is anticipated to bolster business confidence, thereby facilitating investment in the area.

The Enterprise Zone has already demonstrated significant success in its initial five years, attracting businesses that have made substantial investments in the region. AJS, one such business, relocated to the area, creating 70 jobs.

The new hub building provides space for 36 businesses.

The zone has also drawn international investment, with one business relocating from Florida.

Elsewhere a further 12 units are currently going through the planning process from applicant Stirling.

Nick Worth, South Holland District Council leader, highlighted the Enterprise Zone’s role in attracting businesses that are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and the need for lower energy costs.

“We want to make it clear that we’re open for business and we can make it as easy as possible for businesses to come here,” he said.

“The progress has been astonishing, really how quick it has moved, particularly when you look at the issues around COVID and interest rate rise – that’s inevitably having an effect on businesses but around here we still seem to be bucking the trend to some extent.”

The council’s vision is to transition the region from a low-wage to a high-skilled, high-wage economy.

The LDO expansion will support this vision by promoting the growth of high-tech jobs within the agri-food industry, a sector that has seen rapid advancements in automation and robotics.

Michael Braithwaite, a chartered Town Planner from Robert Doughty Consultancy, underscored the Food Enterprise Zone’s importance in attracting investment and creating new jobs.

“The key thing is that it’s going to continue bringing investment, new jobs, new interest into the Holbeach area and South Holland and support that local industry,” he said.

The consultation process is now open, and the council encourages all stakeholders to participate and contribute their ideas for the region’s future.

A public consultation event will take place next Thursday, June 29, between 7-9pm at the Reading Rooms, 19 Church Street, Holbeach, Spalding, PE12 7LL.

To attend, email [email protected].

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].