Plans to facilitate development of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone go out to consultation

Plans for simplified planning procedures to encourage development of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone go out for formal consultation today.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on plans to put in place a Local Development Order (LDO), which sets out the type and quantity of development that can take place on the site and simplifies the planning process by removing the need for developers to make individual planning applications.

The LDO will help facilitate development of the 13-hectare Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) at Old Mills, a greenfield site on the north-western edge of Midsomer Norton and associated road improvements.

The proposed Local Development Order will specify the types of development that can be built on the site without the developer/occupier having to make a planning application. It will allow development to proceed without the time delays and costs associated with submitting a detailed planning application.

The site could provide around 38,500 square meters of commercial buildings including general industrial warehousing and distribution space and offices.

The LDO grants conditional planning permission for specific development falling within Classes B2, B8, C1, E and sui generis.

The proposed LDO incorporates feedback received from residents during a six-week public engagement programme held in Summer 2022.

The formal consultation starts today (16 January) and will last for 28 days until 13 February.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “The council identified the Somer Valley as an area with strong potential for future economic growth and if approved, the LDO will attract inward investment and encourage new development by simplifying the planning process and minimising delays. It makes it easier to deliver the development more quickly, adding to the existing commercial and employment opportunities in the area and creating additional new jobs.”

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

A designated Enterprise Zone provides business rate discounts, tax breaks, superfast broadband and other government support to encourage business growth and the creation of new jobs.

The consultation will run for 28 days and close on 13 February. You can take part in the consultation on the council’s website.

You can read an overview of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone project on the council website.