Incompatibility Between Economic Development and Other Uses

Some proposed developments may be incompatible with nearby economic development enterprises, either already operating, or approved. For example, activities giving rise to emissions such as dust, odour or micro organisms may be incompatible with industrial enterprises requiring a particularly clean and contaminant free environment. Examples of the latter include pharmaceuticals, medical products, food products and research and development. Often, an individual enterprise engaged in one of these sectors will offer employment in specialised jobs and of significant importance to the local or regional economy. Accordingly, it is in the public interest to ensure that their operations are not unduly compromised through incompatible development. In other cases, incompatibility could arise when new residential development is approved in proximity to an existing economic development use that would be likely to cause nuisance, for example through noise, pollution or traffic disturbance. Where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal for new or expanded development would prejudice the future operation of an established or approved economic development use, then it will normally be appropriate to refuse the application. However, it is incumbent on the planning authority to explore all reasonable means of mitigation with the developer and the established enterprise prior to determining the application.