The interface between changing approaches to spatial planning and sustainable economic development – at regional, local and site-specific scales – is one of SQW’s particular specialisms. Some of this work has had a strong analytical component – ranging from research into functional economic geographies and Local Economic Assessments to analyses of the relationship between planned housing provision and economic growth, and employment land reviews. The findings from these projects have typically informed emerging planning policy at regional and local scales.
Another, increasingly important, strand has related to delivery, implementation and investment planning. We have worked – in an integrated way – across the range of infrastructures required to achieve growth that is sustainable and aligned both regional economic and spatial strategies: transport, housing (and affordable housing), utilities, green infrastructure, measures to defend against flood risk, etc. Much of this work has relied on a close dialogue with local organisations (particularly local authorities) and regional and national agencies across a range of functional specialisms to agree evidentially robust investment priorities. This process has become more important as public sector resources have diminished and as developer contributions have come under significant pressure.
Examples of SQW projects
Framework for Urban Collaboration in the East of England
Underpinning the study was a recognition that different urban areas – and their hinterlands – need to contribute in different ways to sustainable patterns of regional growth. The study was informed by the evolving policy debate with regard to the role of medium-sized cities and their wider contribution to economic competitiveness. In terms of our approach, after developing an initial typology, the study was concerned with populating and testing the framework using both quantitative data and consultation-based evidence. It tested the scope and appetite for continuing growth and it also examined the constraints. It concluded by developing a series of recommendations for regional partners. The findings from the study were subsequently used to inform regional strategy review processes.
Policy Levers for Sustainable Rural Communities Study
SQW led a study to develop a working definition of Sustainable Rural Communities in the West Midlands, and then to identify policy levers in the domains of housing, employment land, rural economy, ICT, green infrastructure, critical rural services, economic inclusion and low carbon communities. Our work informed the development of policy options in the context of the Phase III revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy and the development of implementation plans linked to the RES. It provided an important foundation for the move towards a Single Integrated Regional Strategy in the West Midlands.
Integrated Development Programmes in the East of England
We have completed a series of assignments for EEDA which have been concerned with scoping out the concept of IDPs, converting the concept into a toolkit and then supporting local partners to develop their own IDPs. In response to the growth agenda – and informed by the ambitions of both the RES and RSS – the purpose of IDPs has been provide phased, costed, resourced, evidenced and prioritised delivery programmes across the principal sub-regional economies within the East of England. To date, we have worked with partners to complete IDPs in each of Cambridgeshire, Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft, Bedford Growth Area, Chelmsford, Luton & South Bedfordshire, Peterborough, Haven Gateway and Greater Norwich.
Delivering Housing Growth: in LSCP and Ashford
SQW was commissioned to conduct a strategic review of the impact of the Growth Area Fund and Community Infrastructure Fund on housing delivery in the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough and Ashford Growth Areas. The review was based on project information held by CLG, HCA, Government Office and the local project deliverers themselves, as well as consultations with the relevant local stakeholders. The methodology for the study was developed in a pilot study in Milton Keynes South Midlands.
East of England Implementation Plan
SQW worked with a group of regional partners – led by EEDA – to develop the East of England Implementation Plan. The EEIP was intended as a high level business plan to deliver both the new Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Spatial Strategy, in anticipation of the SNR requirement for a single regional strategy. Additionally, the output from the exercise formed a key part of the region’s submission to government in the context of the Regional Funding Allocations. In preparing the EEIP, our work involved a technical review of implementation priorities as well as extensive stakeholder engagement across key thematic areas: housing; green infrastructure; innovation, enterprise and business support; skills and employability; utilities; transport; and culture and community infrastructure
Potential of the Manchester – Liverpool Growth Corridor
An SQW-led consortium was commissioned by NWDA to undertake a high-level futures study, exploring the economic potential of a proposed growth corridor linking Manchester and Liverpool along the M62. The research project examined the potential economic benefit to be gained by joining-up the Corridor’s economic assets in a strategic manner. In addition, it sought to understand the medium and long-term economic drivers for this particular geography, and established the extent to which the Corridor could generate spill-over benefits to other parts of the region.
Strategic Northamptonshire Economic Action Plan
SQW was commissioned, in association with Cambridge Econometrics, to develop a strategic economic action plan for Northamptonshire. The action planning had a number of components: collating and assessing the strategic alignment of existing strategies, targets and actions; modelling the impact of current actions on the Northamptonshire economy and understanding gaps in delivery; and developing delivery plans for the North and the West of Northamptonshire. The outcomes of this work fed into the EIP for LDFs, into spatial investment plans and into the key strategic and funding processes such as the RES, RSS and the emda’s Corporate Plan.
Whitehill Bordon Economic Potentials Study
SQW was commissioned by SEEDA, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council to investigate the economic impacts arising from the relocation of Bordon Garrison, the economic potential of the proposed new eco-town, and the actions that needed to be taken to facilitate an appropriate transition from a garrison town with around 12,000 residents to an eco-town with approaching 30,000. Our work involved a review of economic evidence and a round of consultations with staekholders and partners. The principal output was a strategy and action plan for the area.
Housing and the Economy in the West Midlands
SQW was commissioned by Advantage West Midlands to undertake a study into the inter-relationship between the housing market and economy of the West Midlands. The study comprised a literature review of important key documents and research and the development of a technical report on inter-relationships, and a series of consultations. Additionally – with Cambridge Econometrics – we engaged in an intensive process of formally modelling the key inter-relationships between jobs growth, housing growth and the location of both.
Strategy and Framework for Action in the Coastal South East
SQW was commissioned by SEEDA to develop the South East Coastal Strategy and Framework for Action, one of the three sub-regional strategies charged with delivering on the Regional Economic Strategy. SQW’s work involved detailed reviews of existing strategies and plans, consultation with key sub-regional partners and business and visioning workshops. This work enabled SQW to develop both the high level strategy and the associated action plan.