2.91 Placemaking Plan Policy ED2A identifies strategic sites and includes a policy that facilitates the provision of new industrial space within them and a strong presumption in favour of retaining existing B1 (now use Class E)/B2/B8 floorspace.
2.92 The Employment Growth and Employment Land Review (March 2020) concludes ‘There is virtually no industrial and warehouse supply identified in Bath despite clear evidence of requirements. This is a critical issue and makes the protection of existing industrial sites essential. Identifying potential industrial sites to service the Bath market should also be a priority. Market opinion is that whilst Keynsham may be able to meet some of the unmet need from Bath there is a risk that economic activity will be lost to other locations including Avonmouth/Severnside and Swindon/Chippenham/Wiltshire.’
2.93 Therefore, it is proposed that a review of the existing sites should be carried out and more sites added to ED2A as Primary Industrial Estates.
Consultation reference DM 26
Options for ED2A
Based on the Employment Growth and Employment Land Review, it is proposed to identify the following additional sites as Primary Industrial sites to give a strong presumption in favour of retaining these industrial spaces.
- Polamco, Western Lock, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 1EP, 2.5 ha. Site comprises a 25,000 sq ft industrial unit built in 2000 and occupied by Polmaco.
- Wansdyke Business Centre, Oldfield Lane, Bath BA2 3LY. It comprises 22 self-contained commercial units providing a variety of flexible office, workshop and storage accommodation with individual units ranging from 400 sq ft up to 2,500.