Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan

ED1 Employment

Within designated Employment Areas (as defined on the Policies Map), land is allocated for industry, comprising Use Classes B1 (Business), B2 (General Industrial) and where well related to the primary road network, B8 (Storage and Distribution).

The provision of new employment uses will be supported in principle, where they are in a suitable location where access can be achieved by a choice of sustainable transport and do not conflict with other policies within this Plan. New employment floorspace should be of a flexible design, able to respond to the changing needs of small and growing enterprises, be energy efficient in construction and operation (in accordance with the Council’s Design and Landscape, and Climate Change policies in Chapters 17 and 22) and have fully integrated communications technology, in line with Policy ED3 Communications Infrastructure.

Development which would cause the loss of an existing designated Employment Area, or a site/premises which is currently, or was last, in employment use (Classes B1, B2, B8 or related Sui Generis), will only be permitted where all the following criteria are met:

  • The retention of the site or premises for Use Classes B1, B2 and B8 has been fully explored without success. This should also consider whether improvements to the existing site/premises would make it more attractive to alternative B1, B2 or B8 uses. The applicant will be expected to undertake discussions with officers as to the potential for and suitability of alternative uses. Evidence of a period of marketing of at least 12 months must be provided. For a non-designated employment area, a proportionate approach should be taken;
  • The retention of the B1, B2 or B8 use is unable to be facilitated by the partial conversion to a non-employment generating use; and
  • The proposal does not prejudice the continued viability of existing Employment Areas and neighbouring uses and existing operational employment sites and neighbouring uses.

The Mill Site in Bishop’s Stortford will remain as a designated Employment Area until such time that the land is presented as being available for redevelopment. The site will then be subject to the provisions of Policy BISH10 and should be brought forward for redevelopment as part of a comprehensive masterplan.

For more information please see the District Plan