A new vision has been launched that sets out a council’s objectives for the next two decades.
Copeland Vision 2040 – produced by Copeland Borough Council – sets out a strategy of how the borough can become a globally-recognised place of innovation and opportunity; a major clean energy hub for the UK; and a sustainable place, with a resilient economy that supports thriving communities.
Commissioned by the Copeland Future Opportunities Group – made up of senior leaders from across West Cumbria – the vision identifies challenges and sets objectives to ensure that future developments create long-term outcomes for people and communities while protecting natural surroundings for future generations.
Its targets are set against a number of themes: economic diversification; employment; health, social care and community wellbeing; climate change; population; housing; skills and education; and towns.
It also describes ‘Six Pictures of the Future’ in key areas of Copeland’s economy, encompassing innovation, research and development, the natural and built environment, connectivity, the visitor economy, the Energy Coast and the nuclear industry and supply chain.
Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland and chairman of the Future Opportunities Group, said: “Copeland is already a great place to live, work and visit.
“Along with our Local Plan, Cumbria Nuclear Prospectus, Corporate Strategy, Climate Policy and other strategic documents, the outstanding Copeland Vision document forms a key part of the framework for the development of the borough.
“It important to set out to Government, investors and our community what we are want to achieve and make a compelling and competitive case for those opportunities to be created and developed here.
“This gives confidence to investors that they will be welcomed, confidence to Government that we will support the delivery of policy, and confidence for our community that Copeland is a place with a plan that will provide opportunities for its people to grow and be successful.
“Building on our unique combination of stunning surroundings and inspirational opportunities, the Vision sets the parameters within which we expect those organisations who operate in Copeland to operate and contribute, so we can all making this a better place to live, work and visit and a sustainable place for the future.”
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: “This new economic vision for Copeland builds on industrial capability and natural capacity to grow a balanced, place-based economy that works for Copeland’s residents, both now and in the future.
“I congratulate Copeland Council for having the vision to set out long-term aspirations for Copeland that will provide the framework to ensure that future developments create meaningful, long-term outcomes for communities while protecting our natural surroundings for future generations.”
