Object

Representation ID: 56859

Received: 31/07/2013

Respondent: Mapeley Gamma Aquisition

Agent: Turley Associates

A total of 22.5 ha of additional employment land is proposed to be allocated: this is a generous provision, being 5 ha more than is required on top of the 17.5 ha identified by the ELR. The Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway Scheme is likely to reduce the requirement for employment land provision in Warwick District by an estimated 6.5 hectares. Given the generous allocation of employment land it is considered that the Local Plan needs to set out a clear policy framework in regard to existing employment sites.

The 2012 Preferred Options Consultation noted that the position with regard to any proposals on longstanding sites would be reviewed. The current saved Local Plan Policy (SC2) which restricts redevelopment or change of use of existing employment land, unless certain criteria are met, places too great a focus on viability, ignores demand and supply issues and is overly restrictive.

Considers that the new Local Plan should provide greater flexibility to facilitate the release of employment sites (over and above those areas currently identified) which during the plan period no longer continue to meet business needs. Given the healthy supply and proposed provision of employment land this would not restrict the ability of new occupiers to find space. NPPF states that planning policies should avoid the long term protection of sites allocated for employment use where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being used for that purpose. To create the flexibility suggested, recommends implementing a policy setting out the criteria/policy tests which must be met to release existing employment land. Introducing the test recommendations contained in the ELR 2013 would achieve this.

The NPPF also advises that employment land allocations should be reviewed regularly. In order to take account of future trends in take-up and availability of employment floorspace, it is considered that the Local Plan should include proposals for a regular review of employment allocations, and if necessary implement revised demanded forecasts for employment floorspace.