Comment

Representation ID: 1265

Received: 09/08/2010

Respondent: Planning Perspectives LLP

Question 79 and 81 The suggested approach is broadly supported as it is consistent with the adopted Core Strategy and the Employment Land Review 2010. However, with respect to the sites identified for the "maintenance and supply of modern employment floorspace... within a mixed use context" further clarification is required about the Council's aspirations for these sites. The "flexible, managed approach" is wholeheartediy supported, but this does not tie in particularly well with the aspiration to maintain the same level of employment floors pace at these sites. Viability of redevelopment should be recognised as a key consideration for sites in need of regeneration. It is understood that the Council accept the need for some level of enabling development as part of a comprehensive redevelopment of the Prittle Brook Estate, but this has not been expressed clearly in this document. Indeed the Employment Land Review is more explicit in stating that redevelopment of this site should be enabled through a flexible approach to development. The ELR notes that the land would not be allocated today for the same mix of employment uses as exist on the site, and that employment use should not be the only acceptable form of development. It is in fact recommended in the site appraisal of the ELR (Ref EMP017) that a more appropriate buffer between the site and residential uses is required. As part of the recommended flexible approach, it shouid be acknowiedged that an improvement in the quality of employment floorspace will be weighed favourably against the need to maintain the same level of supply. Prittle Brook Estate represents an opportunity to provide new employment uses which meet the Council's aspirations for improving the quality of stock of employment premises, and could meet the demand for more business related jobs over industrial related jobs, as identified in the Employment Land Review. As the employment density for modern business units is greater than with older stock and industrial uses, there will be an opportunity to use a substantial part of the site for the enabling residential development. Indeed, a residential led mixed use scheme may in fact be the most appropriate way forward given the context of the surrounding area and the need for a comprehensive redevelopment to optimise the use of the site.