TOWN CENTRE AND ECONOMY POLICIES

It is a strategic objective of the Mendip Local Plan (part I) to diversify and strengthen the economy of Shepton Mallet through the delivery of suitable employment land and premises. The intention is to promote a better balance of jobs and economically active people by providing a mixture of modern and flexible employment premises with an emphasis on supporting existing employment premises.

As part of this vision, it is important to maintain and enhance town centres to make them attractive places to visit at any time of the day to make them first choice destinations for both shopping, café culture and night life Shepton Mallet is in a central location within the Mendip District with considerable heritage and character. It has a high level of jobs compared to the working population and development of the Bath and West Showground will provide further employment opportunities

However, the town image is poor with an extremely limited retail offer and high vacancy rates in the heart of the town centre. The policies in this section of the Plan are intended to address these issues and achieve the vision of creating Shepton Mallet as a revitalised market town with a vibrant shopping area which meets local needs.