Local Enterprise Partnership

Dover District Council is welcoming news that an exciting proposal for a major new economic partnership for Kent and Essex has been submitted to Government.

The joint proposal for a Kent and Greater Essex Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was submitted to Ministers earlier this month following calls from businesses. Bringing together businesses and Local Government across both counties, the LEP will promote economic growth and tackle the economic issues that matter most to businesses and residents. If successful, the proposal could lead to the creation of the largest LEP in England.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "We whole heartedly welcome the submission by Kent and Essex for the Local Enterprise Partnership, and are very pleased to support this application. We welcome the opportunity this presents for growth in the county, and particularly East Kent and Dover District.

"Dover District is very well placed to take full advantage of all the opportunities this partnership represents, with our Growth Point status, and our Local Development Framework already approved. The possibility of a third Thames crossing will complement the strategic gateway position of Dover, and help improve the routeing of traffic through the county and beyond into Essex, complementing plans for the expansion of the Port of Dover. At the same time, this will provide an unprecedented opportunity for the private sector to take advantage of the foundations that we have in place for sustainable growth."