Economic Development Strategy

Hart has limited resources and must focus on those things it needs to do in order to meet the priorities set out in its Corporate Plan. The local economy is strong and unemployment is low. There are a number of other agencies supporting local business in the area, including those setting up for the first time, and there is no wish to duplicate their efforts. The Council has, however, identified public concern about threats to the character of its retail centres.

The Council's Strategy is, therefore, to promote and encourage management of its town and village centres in order to secure their stability and vitality for the benefit of residents, tourists, visitors and businesses in Hart.

The Council will seek to achieve its aims by working with others who have an interest in town and village centres, through appropriate policies in its other strategies and plans, including use of the planning process, and where appropriate, through direct funding of local initiatives that support its aims particularly where there are opportunities to unlock additional funding from other sources.

The Council will encourage initiatives in towns and villages elsewhere in the District including Blackwater, Hook and Hartley Wintney, but especially where there is local leadership and enthusiasm to move an initiative forward. The Council will also encourage support for village shops.

The contact in the Council is  Matthew Evans, Head of Planning & Environmental Regulation. Tel. 01252 774492