Have your say on proposals to develop the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone

The first step in community engagement on proposals for a new commercial development in the Somer Valley will launch with a public webinar on May 19.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is bringing forward its plans to designate a Local Development Order (LDO) to simplify the planning process by removing the need for developers to make individual planning applications.

The order would support the sustainable growth of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone to help create 1,300 more jobs for local people.

Residents will be invited to have their say on the proposals in a six-week public engagement programme, starting with the webinar on May 19 at 7.00pm.

Attendees of the webinar will hear from the design team who will present the plans and give residents the chance to express their views prior to submission of the LDO and associated formal consultation in late 2022. Register for the webinar in advance here.

A new dedicated webpage will also go live on May 19 on the council website to give people the chance to view the plans online and submit feedback.

Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said: “We are committed to developing the 13ha site for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone as quickly as possible to create 1,300 much-needed full-time equivalent jobs, as well as flexible workspace for businesses.

“The new Local Development Order will simplify the process of developing this high-quality employment space that the Somer Valley needs, making the site more attractive to investors and businesses. We need your views to get the order right so that we can shape the sustainable development of the area for the future.”

The Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) was established in April 2017 to support local businesses, to attract new businesses to the area and to encourage business growth and new jobs.

Located at greenfield site Old Mills, the zone has been allocated in the B&NES Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan for employment uses.

Enterprise Zones are designated areas across England which encourage business growth and new jobs by providing business rate discounts, tax breaks, superfast broadband and other government support.