Policy EC4 – Loss of zoned employment land

Zoned employment areas will be retained in employment use and will be the focus of economic regeneration and development opportunities likely to come forward during the plan period. Only in exceptional circumstances as outlined below will the loss of zoned employment land be considered acceptable. Proposals for the use of zoned employment land or buildings, for other purposes, should clearly demonstrate that: a. The proposed use is complementary to the primary employment use of the area, providing a small scale-ancillary service to meet the day-to-day needs of local employees, subject to compliance with other plan policies; or b. The proposal would not prejudice the long term development of the wider employment area primarily for industrial and business development. In such cases alternative uses should: 1. Not adversely affect the city's overall capacity to meet future demand for employment land; 2. Be compatible with existing retained employment uses within their vicinity; and 3. Demonstrate that there is no likely future demand for employment use on the site. This would require evidence that it had been actively marketed for B1(b), B1(c), B2, B3 and B4 uses for a minimum of 18 months. In instances where the loss of employment land has been deemed acceptable further information will be necessary as per the council's contribution framework.