Independent commission launched to help secure a better future for Brandon

A new commission has been launched to help guide the development of a town which has seen growth constrained due to its proximity to a protected site.

West Suffolk Council has funded the Independent Commission on the Future of Brandon (‘Brandon commission’) to gather evidence, conduct research and explore options which will best grow the prosperity and enhance the wellbeing of residents.

It will also recognise and protect the ecological and environmental characteristics of the town and wider area.

Development in Brandon has been limited mainly due to it being near a Special Protection Area, which is home to treasured bird species including the Stone Curlew.

Mark Pragnell, an economist with over 30 years of experience, has been appointed as chair of the commission and will be supported by expert advisers and local stakeholders.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to have been asked to chair the Brandon commission. This is both essential work for Brandon and a potential pathfinder for rural communities across the country.

“I look forward to establishing a commission membership that will ensure all relevant voices, from residents to national bodies, are able to engage and shape the research.”

The commission will develop options for future growth in Brandon, modelling a range of scenarios and their viability and impacts.

In light of the evidence received, the commission will produce a report for West Suffolk Council, setting out the findings and recommendations.

To gather insight from local people, an online survey has been launched to understand what people value about Brandon and how they would like to see it improve in the future.

Alongside the survey, public meetings will also be set up in the coming months for face to face discussions.

Individuals and organisations have been invited to express their interest in being a member of the appropriate stakeholder consultative group: residents; businesses; ecological and environmental; and public sector and statutory authorities.

Members of the groups will be invited to give evidence to the commission and attend, observe and contribute to full meetings.

To express interest and find out more about membership of one of the groups, email: brandon.commission@westsuffolk.gov.uk

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for growth at West Suffolk Council, said the authority was committed to achieving a solution and to deliver sustainable growth in Brandon, while respecting the unique nature of the town and working within the current constraints and legislation.

“Through establishing the independent commission, advice and research can be gathered in a credible, open and thorough way to explore viable options for the future of Brandon to benefit the community, businesses and the economy,” he said.

Cllr Wijenayaka added: “I am delighted that Mark Pragnell, an experienced economist who is widely respected for his balanced and unbiased judgement, has accepted our invitation to chair the commission.

“His knowledge of rural policy and extensive background advising on economic development and sustainable local growth will be invaluable.”

Information and updates on the commission's progress will be available on the Brandon commission webpage.