Policy ED4 - Future Employment Allocations
Summary: The Respondent finds the document to be unsound in its present form, however were the amendments set out in these representations to be incorporated then it is considered that the document will be sound. Concern is raised in relation to the strategy to redevelop existing employment sites for other uses and the provision of new greenfield employment sites. Should it be accepted that the existing employment sites are retained as such, then some or all of the future employment allocations will not be necessary.
Full text: It should be noted that the Core Strategy recognises that there is generally sufficient supply of employment sites but that any de-allocation will have to be compensated for. As a consequence of the strategy to reallocate employment sites under Policy H1, additional greenfield employment land is allocated under Policy ED4. As set out in our submission to Policy H1, the Council's strategy to seek the redevelopment of employment sites for alternative uses is questioned. The allocation of Stambridge Mills as a residential site is of particular concern for reasons identified elsewhere.
Should it be found that any of the employment sites proposed for residential development under Policy H1 should not come forward (in accordance with our submission to Policy H1) then some or all of the new employment sites should not come forward.
Proposed Amendment to Policy E4: Any changes to Policy H1 to retain employment sites should result in some or all of the new employment sites being deleted from Policy E4

Masterplan/Facilities plan Council ref AE22