Whilst it may be likely that there will be a predominance of B1 and B2 uses on new employment sites, it is important that in a changing economic climate, this policy should not be used to frustrate or limit job creation via an overly restrictive approach. Indeed, a restrictive approach is very much contrary to the stated employment Vision, which include for example that:

"a new employment park in the west of the District ... has been developed which caters for a range of employment types in a flexible manner that adapts to changes in the economy."

It is also unclear what the policy means when it refers to a "predominance" of B1 and B2 uses, and we are concerned that this phrasing opens up a wide range of interpretation.

In addition, to make new commercial sites attractive to occupiers, experience shows that flexibility of business use is required, and that at least an element of B8 space is necessary for many occupiers. If there are specific sites where B8 (or indeed potentially B2) uses are not suitable, this can be specified in the Site Allocations DPD.

We suggest that the policy should be more positively worded to promote employment uses, whilst still maintaining a focus on the 'B' uses, as follows:

"Within new and existing employment land, development in Classes B1, B2 and B8 will be supported. Alternative uses will be considered having regard to ...."

This alternative wording still makes clear that B1 and B2 uses are favoured uses, but avoids problems of interpretation, and still makes it possible for other employment generating uses to come forward that comply with the criteria listed.