Heysham could become an investment zone area, as the government encourages local councils to create special areas in attempts to boost post-Brexit economic growth and, in some places, new house building.
Lancaster City Council leader Green Coun Caroline Jackson is due to mention the new developments in her report to councillors on November 9. Her advanced notes for the meeting state: "Through county officers, we were invited to bid for an investment zone at very short notice. The area proposed was Heysham Gateway. No housing was to be included and acceptance was to be based on an investment zone proving to be in-line with our corporate priorities.
Heysham also has the nuclear power stations and an industrial history linked to oil and gas. EDF operates two power stations there employing more than 1,000 people. The Heysham 1 plant was due to be decommissioned in 2014 and Heysham 2 to stop generating in 2018. However, there have been calls this year to keep activities running for longer. Nonetheless, change is expected in coming years at some point and Heysham could become the focus for new activities.
It is developing links with local business, education and public sector organisations including Lancaster University and Morecambe & Lancaster College, plus others across the UK. Lancaster's Green Party group had its own ambitions and plans for what it sees as sustainable development in its preferred locations.
INVESTMENT ZONES AND FREEPORTS IN LANCASHIRE Regarding other mooted investment zones in Lancashire, Conservative-controlled Ribble Valley Council recently raised concerns about the potential impact of investment zone on the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty.