Object

Representation ID: 43867

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Pegasus

8.1 The Plan seeks to promote and support employment in manufacturing, research and development, warehousing and other uses that are appropriately located in industrial employment areas. It recognises that, as well as attracting high growth knowledge-based industries requiring more prestigious sites, there is also a need to accommodate a variety of business needs including start-ups and smaller businesses which will necessitate a mixed portfolio of sites to be made available. Taylor Wimpey supports this balanced approach to the delivery of employment land but considers that the plan should recognise the changing nature of much employment, including following the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen a shift towards home working and potentially consider the inclusion of local employment 'hubs' which would allow for working in close proximity to residents' homes whilst allowing for the more social aspects of office working.
Improving Access to the Labour Market
8.2 Policy EMP5 includes provision for developments to secure initiatives and/or contributions to a range of measures to benefit the local community, including the potential for working with local colleges and universities, either by condition or obligation. Whilst Taylor Wimpey has an extensive track record of investing in communities and is supportive of the benefits that this brings, Policy EMP5 should be clear that planning conditions and obligations can only be sought where they are necessary to make a development acceptable in planning terms.