By incorporating a Local Development Order (LDO) into our project Masterplan, we aim to bring a wide range of benefits, both to how the project progresses, and to the Enterprise Zone which it will deliver.
Sustainability and ecology
- We plan to create efficient, sustainable, low energy buildings, in response to our Climate and Ecological Emergency declarations and priorities.
- We will maintain existing, and provide enhanced, green spaces and wildlife corridors, to increase biodiversity across the site, in response to our Ecological Emergency declaration and priorities.
- We are planning large-scale additional tree and shrub planting, to achieve a net gain for site biodiversity.
- The plans will reduce out-commuting by local people, leaving the area to travel to work. This will enhance the sustainability of the Somer Valley.
Economic growth
- The project aims to create 1,300 new jobs, providing employment opportunities for local people, and in the region of 35,800 square metres of commercial floorspace.
- The LDO should enable growth by positively and proactively shaping sustainable development with serviced employment plots.
- The Masterplan includes the provision of ancillary uses for buildings (such as a hotel and food and beverage provision), to create a vibrant, viable, active site that people want to work at or visit.
Project delivery
- A Local Development Order will promptly bring forward regeneration and avoid development delays.
- The LDO will give flexibility and certainty, which will encourage investors. It will remove the need for them to apply for separate planning permission and allows investors to respond to changing market conditions.
- The LDO will provide greater certainty for local people about how the site will be developed as once adopted the parameters of the LDO can only be altered through a formal amendment to the LDO itself, or via a planning application.
- Having an LDO in place will reduce the pressure on the Local Planning Authority’s resources.
Project design
- The scheme will provide high quality public space, making it an attractive place to work and visit.
- The planned architecture is suitable for the character of the area and the topography of the site.
Transport and travel
- Our site plan encourages a connected network for walking and cycling which will integrate into existing rights of way.
- We are proposing a balanced car parking approach, catering to the uses on site, whilst also enhancing sustainable transport options.
- We are proposing highway improvements which will benefit all users of the A362, such as the removal of the current S-bend next to the site entrance, and widening the road at Sunnyside, where two vehicles cannot currently pass safely.
- The plan includes dedicated walking and cycling links to the Norton Radstock Greenway.