Flintshire County Council appoint external consultants to develop a plan for Deeside.

Flintshire County Council is bringing in a firm of independent consultants to advise and develop a 25-year plan for Deeside.

David Lock Associates, a Milton Keynes based town planning and urban design consultancy has been awarded the contract ahead of four other companies following a local authority procurement process.

Despite unprecedented budget cuts this year, council chiefs feel the investment in a long-term plan for the area is needed to help strengthen the growing importance Deeside has on the wider North Wales and North West England economy.

Details of the contract award have been published on the Welsh Government procurement website Sell2Wales, they outline the scope of the work to be carried out, the site says;

‘Flintshire County Council wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to work with the Council and local stakeholders to prepare a Deeside Sustainable Development Masterplan to provide the vision and direction to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future for Deeside and its hinterland.’

The Deeside Plan will aim to set out a framework for integrated economic, environmental, and social development over the next 20–25 years under six themes:

Growth, Connectivity, Infrastructure, Environment, Quality of life and Skills and training.

The council and consultants say they aim to involve local people in the Deeside Plan.

Clare Budden, Chief Officer, Community and Enterprise said,

“Deeside is facing enormous economic opportunities through the development of the Deeside Enterprise Zone which has already seen an estimated 2,000 new jobs created with a further 5,000 expected over the next five years. Deeside plays an important role as a driver for the economy of North Wales and North West England. The Deeside Plan will set out what needs to be done to strengthen this role in the long term and how the different elements such as transport, planning, economic development and regeneration should be coordinated to maximise the benefits for local people.

Local people will be consulted as part of the development of the Plan to ensure that it reflects local aspirations for Deeside.

David Lock Associates have been selected to work with the Council to develop the Plan because of their extensive experience in this field and because of their knowledge of the commercial markets which will help to “reality test” the process.”

Cllr. Derek Butler, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said

“Deeside is an important provider of jobs throughout the region and the Council wants to ensure that it continues to play this role long into the future and is able to adapt effectively to changing economic conditions. The Deeside Plan is an important piece of work in this process and will help to ensure that local people get the maximum benefit.”