RSS East Of England Plan - Broads Authority

East of England Plan 89
Haven Gateway
13.27 Haven Gateway Sub-Region spans part of northeast Essex and southeast Suffolk. It consists of Tendring District, the
Boroughs of Colchester and Ipswich and parts of Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk Coastal Districts. It is focussed on the
key centres for development and change of Colchester and Ipswich, the towns of Clacton, Felixstowe, and Harwich and
the major ports at Felixstowe and Harwich (Bathside Bay). The sub-region has substantial potential to develop further as
a major focus for economic development and growth, which is recognised in its identification by the Government as a new
growth point.
13.28 The geographical extent of the Gateway and, within it, an Ipswich Policy Area spanning Ipswich and adjacent parts of
Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk Coastal districts should be agreed for monitoring purposes between EERA and the local
authorities concerned.
13.29 The sub-region has a series of nationally and internationally important landscape and ecological designations, including
the Dedham Vale and large parts of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All of the estuaries
have national and international designations for nature conservation. These areas are close to likely locations for growth
and regeneration. However, as well as being a possible constraint on some development, the attractive environment
contributes to the character of the sub-region and is one of the foundations for its economic growth. The strategy needs
to take into account the impact of these factors on growth and regeneration, in accordance with other policies in this RSS
on protecting and enhancing the environment.
POLICY HG1: Strategy for the Sub-Region
The sub-regional strategy aims to achieve transformational development and change throughout Haven Gateway
which will:
• develop the diverse economy of the sub-region, including provision for the needs of an expanding tourism
sector, support for the establishment and expansion of ICT clusters and recognition of the potential and need
for employment growth in the smaller towns;
• support existing and proposed academic, scientific and research institutions;
• regenerate the sub-region to address unemployment, deprivation and social issues;
• provide for major housing growth at the key centres of Colchester and Ipswich.