JCS_MasterDocument_FIN_27.03.18

4.1.17
4.1.18
4.1.19
4.1.20
4.1.21
4.1.22
The SEP includes a range of programmes and
interventions to support these key sectors
and the growth aspirations of these sectors
have played a key role in the JCS approach to
economic growth and establish the level of
employment land that is likely to be required to
meet those aspirations.
To assess how the need for employment land
can be met, each council has assessed how
much land is likely to be available, both in
terms of larger strategic sites but also sites to
allow growth of existing businesses, especially
in the key growth sectors, on smaller sites
to support the growth of small and medium
sized enterprises, or where development
would support urban regeneration or the rural
economy. Because of the constrained supply of
employment land in the urban areas, the JCS
authorities will wish to evaluate the implications
of changes of use. As such, policies on the
safeguarding of employment sites will be set out
in District plans.
Providing start-up space that can be easily
accessed by those establishing new businesses
is also vital to stimulate innovation and
entrepreneurship within the JCS area;
developments are especially encouraged which
provide a range of types and sizes of units
including start-up and flexible workspaces.
More information and guidance in this respect
will come forward in District plans. Where
specialised skills are available, clusters of
enterprises can add value to the economy. This
spatial strategy can support skills development
by encouraging the provision and expansion of
suitable education and training facilities with
access in person and by electronic means.
The JCS authorities seek to support economic
growth in the JCS rural areas and to take
a positive approach in encouraging the
growth and development of new and existing
enterprises.
Employment-generating farm diversification
projects, and the re-use of rural buildings or
the creation of well-designed new buildings
which are of an appropriate scale and use, will
be supported wherever they accord with the
other policies in the development plan.
The availability of advanced ICT infrastructure
including high-speed broadband access is
important for the success of the local economy
and skills development. Good transport
connections and adequate provision of other
infrastructure are also essential to support
people in employment.
4.1.23
4.1.24
4.1.25
4.1.26
A number of other enterprises and institutions
play a key role in the local economy and are
supported by the policies of the JCS, in particular
policies SP1, SP2 and SD1.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is a key part of
the cultural and economic infrastructure of
Gloucestershire, being the most significant
visitor attraction in the JCS area and the wider
sub-region. It is of international significance,
being the principal venue in the UK for National
Hunt Racing, on average bringing £50m p.a. to
the Cheltenham economy. Ranking 2nd in the
list of racecourses drawing the largest meeting
attendances and with high television viewing
figures (0.9million watched the Cheltenham
Festival in 2015), it is clear that the Racecourse
and its influence underpins the cultural offer,
contributing significantly to the economy of
Cheltenham.
The Racecourse’s primary function as a racing
venue brings significant economic benefits to
the region in terms of financial income and job
creation:
• 450,000 visitors attend the 16 racing
fixtures, including the 250,000 over the four
days of the most recent Festival in March
2015. It is estimated to contribute £50m
p.a. to the local tourism economy, including
visitor accommodation (around 10,000 bed
spaces for overnight accommodation are
required during the Festival);
• The Racecourse currently employs 85
full time staff on site, with the additional
employment of around 5,000 staff during
the Festival;
• Contractors and sub-contractors in terms of
construction (and associated construction
materials) and service providers are based
locally in Gloucestershire and the racecourse
also generates a significant number of
indirect jobs.
Cheltenham Racecourse is important to
the regional economy and local economy,
it is therefore important to continue to
improve business operations through future
development and enhancement, reinforcing its
importance as a tourism and visitor attraction in
the region with the potential to generate further
employment opportunities.
Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy 2011-2031
Adopted December 2017
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