Sustainable Economy Strategy
In April 2022 Mid Sussex District Council approved a new Sustainable Economy Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 to support sustainable economic growth in Mid Sussex.
The strategy set out how sustainable development in the District can provide economic prosperity while supporting our journey to net zero, in order to achieve the following vision for Mid Sussex.
The Vision
A vibrant district that is attractive, resilient and innovative, that balances social wellbeing, environmental protection and sustainable economic growth.
The Sustainable Economy Strategy and Action Plan has now been refreshed for 2025-2028, to build on the work completed under the previous strategy and continue towards achieving the long-term vision.
The Sustainable Economy Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 was underpinned by the District Profile 2021-2022 which provided key information about the strengths and issues facing Mid Sussex, and guided the priorities for the SES.
To support the refresh for 2025-2028, we commissioned an update on the District Profile to provide the latest data for Mid Sussex.
The refreshed Strategy supports high-value employment development within the District, such as the allocated Science and Technology Park to the north-west of Burgess Hill. This recognises the high levels of employment and educational attainment that the District Profile shows that many have in Mid Sussex. Promoting access to training will give local people the opportunity to develop the skills they need to secure quality jobs and support for entrepreneurs will help new businesses to start up across the District. In addition, the Council will co-ordinate and provide advice to help local businesses improve the sustainability of their organisations. Please see ‘A Net Zero Business’ for further information.
MSDC will facilitate the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, including working with WSCC to significantly increase the number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points available across the District and promote sustainable travel options, including green travel plans (see the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan - LCWIP). New development and land management should facilitate an increase in biodiversity and the Council will continue to set aside areas of public open space for rewilding.
The Council has adopted a Social Value and Sustainability Charter to ensure that there is commitment to support economic, environmental and social improvements from its suppliers and contractors, and will encourage procurement of goods and services from local organisations. See link to the Social Value and Sustainability Charter here - https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/media/ymkfmyyz/msdc-social-value-and-sustainability-charter-2024.pdf.
Mid Sussex has a well-established culture of partnership working and the new Sustainable Economy Strategy continues to recognise and strengthen this. By working with partner organisations to deliver economic growth, combat climate change, maximise biodiversity, and promote and enable improvements to health and wellbeing for residents, the Council has set out a strong roadmap to achieving the vision.
Case Studies
- Innovation – Universal Quantum
- Universal Quantum, a spin out from the University of Sussex based in Haywards Heath, is building towards a future where quantum computing is solving some of the biggest challenges faced by humanity.
- Delivering Social Value and sustainable development – Homes England
- Homes England is working with Mid Sussex District Council and developers to provide affordable, quality homes in a well-planned community at Brookleigh, Burgess Hill.
- A heritage garden and parkland focused on sustainability and inclusion - Borde Hill
- With 70,000 annual visitors, Borde Hill is a beautiful, unique destination. Having secured funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and with planning permission approved by Mid Sussex District Council, Borde Hill Garden Charity has ambitious plans to become more sustainable and inclusive than ever before, through its ‘Reinventing Borde Hill’ project.
More information
The District Profile forms the evidence base from which the Sustainable Economy Strategy was created.
See link to most recent District Profile - www.midsussex.gov.uk/media/8158/the-district-profile-combined-10-05-22
See link to previous District Profile - The District Profile (midsussex.gov.uk)
For more information on the Council’s Net Zero strategy, visit: A Net Zero Council.
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