1. 2. Proposals which would result in the loss of existing employment uses will only be considered acceptable where it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the site to be retained for employment purposes. This must be supported by a detailed market appraisal over a period of at least 12 months that clearly demonstrates there is no current or likely future demand for employment.

Explanation

  1. Employment sites and units outside the designated employment areas are an important source of commercial development. This includes mills, industrial, warehousing and office uses. Such units can often provide space for small and medium-sized enterprises and may be located in areas away from other employment uses but close to or well connected to residential areas. However other, higher-value uses can exert pressure on the land and lead to the loss of the employment use.
  2. The policy seeks to protect sites which are still viable for employment uses in order to maintain the stock of employment land and sites across the borough. Any market appraisal should be agreed with the council before its commencement and take a long-term view of the economic prospects of the site/premises and include:
  3. an explanation as to why it is not possible to retain or replace any existing occupiers;
  4. consideration of the potential to reuse, refurbish and redevelop the site to accommodate the full range of uses that would be appropriate within an employment site A flexible approach should be adopted including both freehold and leasehold options;
  5. an analysis of recorded and potential interest in the site/premises for a use appropriate within an employment site over a period of at least 12 months with a record of all offers received and reasons as to why the enquiry did not proceed. This analysis should be informed by the findings of a comprehensive marketing exercise of the site and premises for sale and for rent at an appropriate price agreed in advance with the council and have regard to enquiries and deals relating to similar sites/premises in the local area; and
  6. detailed consideration of the context of the economic health and future role of the wider area of which the site/premises forms a part and other Employment Areas in the local area.

BUS 5: Flexible workspace

  1. 1. The council will promote economic diversity and support existing and new business development by seeking the following: