Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Core Strategy

CS23 - Employment land provision

To accommodate predicted and future economic growth, ensure sustainable employment development patterns and working practises, and promote the role of the Borough as a strong location for professional services and the knowledge economy the Council will:

  • Protect Strategic Employment Land, as identified on the proposals map, in order to make the most efficient use of land to support sustainable economic growth, and to satisfy the different location requirements of businesses that are not considered as main town centre uses (see CS18-Town Centre Uses). These uses must be suitable to the characteristics of the site and the surrounding area, and be in accordance with PPS4. Proposals for alternative uses will only be allowed were development does not result in an overall loss of employment provision and where a surplus of Strategic Employment Land is identified. The introduction of an alternative use should not detract from the integrity and function of the site for employment purposes.
  • Retain other employment sites for employment uses unless redevelopment for other purposes provide wider benefits to the community;
  • Encourage a greater diversity of use within its town centres. Offices will be directed to the most sustainable locations within or on the edge of town centres, or close to public transport. Mixed use development, that includes office use, will be promoted where this makes a positive contribution to the character of the town, and does not reduce the provision of retail floorspace (see CS18-Town Centre Uses)
  • Promote sustainable and flexible working practises through the provision of workspace as an integral part of residential development, where appropriate.
  • Encourage employment uses that are more reliant on convenient access to the strategic road network to locate within Strategic Employment Land away from residential areas with good access to the strategic road network.
  • Work in partnership with the Elmbridge Community Partnership and the business community to promote smart growth and ensure the necessary infrastructure, specifically communications technology, is provided to support business development.

For more information please see the Elmbridge Core Strategy