Reasoned Justification for Policy Twelve 

125 A top priority for Mendip District Council as identified in the Local Plan Part 1, is to support business development and growth in the district. 

126 The Mendip District Council SPD, “Marketing and Business Evidence to Support Planning Applications” is clear in it’s aim to maintain services in urban locations where facilities are important in creating a sense of community in the neighbourhood. Policy Thirteen builds on this by putting it into a local context within Shepton Mallet. 

127 The sense of community in Shepton Mallet is strong, and this is enhanced by the local facilities which also serve the wider community outside of the Town Centre. 

128 The projected growth in jobs for Shepton Mallet is 1,296 and the total additional floorspace required to meet this need is 15,950 sq m 

129 The needs identified by the Shepton Mallet business community projects a requirement for an additional 1.4. ha of land to 2026 

130 The development at Cannards Grave, the former Mid Somerset Showground will deliver the regeneration of 10ha of new employment land together with the proposed housing development. 

131 A development brief has been agreed with Mendip District Council to promote business and the rural economy which suggest initially 450 jobs will be expected on this site, with 1500 in the longer term. 

132 A site is also allocated on promoted land off Fosse Lane for employment use of 7.5 ha 

133 This policy, to maintain the level of employment land available is therefore crucial to the development of the town and the potential level of employment.