INTRODUCTION

2.1 A vibrant and efficient economy is vital if the North East is to remain an attractive, durable, competitive and sustainable business location. It is essential therefore that there is a policy framework that fosters and promotes the economy to face future challenges. What follows is based firmly on the plan’s aims and strategy, set out in Chapter 1, in particular Objectives 1 to 4.

2.2 The plan recognises the need to diversify further the area’s employment base to provide access to jobs across the North East and ensure the continued prosperity of the area’s economy throughout the plan period and beyond. The plan will build on the strengths of the North East’s economy, such as its skilled workforce, the energy industry as represented by oil and gas, a growing service sector and its importance as a place of learning, research and development. Recognition also requires to be given to the area’s indigenous industries, including forestry, agriculture, fishing, engineering, textiles, paper products and food processing. Opportunities for diversification of the North East’s economy will be promoted. This will embrace all sectors of the economy, including Information Communication Technology, renewable energy and farm diversification. The plan is responsive to newer more vibrant and viable economic activities.

2.3 There should be a choice and range of sites to meet all employment needs in terms of quality, size and location. This is vital to ensure that an adequate supply of employment land is available to meet the demands of business and help to sustain and nurture the economy of the North East. In keeping with the strategic aims of this plan, sites will be in the most sustainable and deliverable locations, focusing development at existing settlements. This means close to where people live, close to effective transport networks and public transport corridors and on sites realistically available within the plan period. It also means giving priority, where appropriate, to the regeneration of redundant buildings and brownfield land and creating efficient and sustainable mixed-use developments. Economic growth should be balanced with the need to protect the environment and care should be taken to ensure that pollution is reduced and controlled and waste is minimised. This philosophy lies at the heart of the strategy of the plan, a core objective of which is to promote and foster sustainable economic diversity and competitiveness, create new economic development opportunities and develop the natural strengths and growth sectors of the economy.