Existing Employment Sites

ning terms. Policy EC.2 Existing Employment Sites A. Safeguarding Existing Sites Development proposals that would lead to the loss of employment land or buildings (Use Classes E(g), B2 and B8) will only be permitted where it can be robustly demonstrated that: 1. There is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for employment purposes, supported by evidence of sustained marketing on appropriate terms over a minimum period to be agreed with the Local Authority; 2. The continued employment use is shown to be unviable, including consideration of refurbishment or redevelopment options; 3. The proposed alternative use would not adversely impact the supply or quality of employment land needed to meet forecasted demand over the plan period; and 4. The alternative use would complement existing employment uses or deliver significant community or environmental benefits without undermining economic objectives 5. Evidence of effective and active marketing at open market rates on reasonable terms for employment uses, demonstrating a lack of interest from potential occupiers. B. Changes of Use In considering applications for change of use, regard will be given to: 1. Availability of suitable alternative employment sites in the locality; 2. The potential effect on neighbouring uses and the operational integrity of existing employment areas; 3. Impacts on the vitality and viability of town centres, where relevant; and 4. Economic and sustainability objectives set out elsewhere in the plan. 5. The demand for any viable alternative non-residential use Policy EC.2 ~ Development Management Considerations In relation to Part A5 of the Policy ~ the marketing period should be for a minimum of 12 months. If there is no interest after that initial period, a further minimum period of 6 months marketing should be undertaken at an alternative reasonable (lower) value. Policy Justification 4.2.3 Warwick District Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council commissioned Iceni Projects to undertake The South Warwickshire Affordable Business Study (2026) to inform the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan. The purpose of the study was to assess the delivery, demand, and policy framework for affordable business space across the two districts. This Study also included specific policy recommendations relating to the protection of existing employment sites. 4.2.4 This policy aims to contribute to a sufficient, diverse and well-located supply of land and premises to support economic growth, business investment and job creation over the plan period. This accords with the NPPF (2024) which states at paragraph 85 that “Planning policies and decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. 4.2.5 Permitted development rights currently allow for a certain amount of flexibility for Class E employment uses, with the change of use from E(g) uses to some other use classes permitted without the need for planning permission. While this Policy cannot control for such permitted uses, this Policy does apply to the loss of employment outside of such permitted development rights. 4.2.6 A number of existing employment allocations from the SDC Core Strategy (2016) and WDC Local Plan (2017) are also carried f