Plans for simplified planning procedures to encourage development of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, which would sit on a greenfield site, went out for formal consultation yesterday.

B&NES Council have released a statement regarding the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone: 'Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on plans to put in place a Local Development Order (LDO), which sets out the type and quantity of development that can take place on the site and simplifies the planning process by removing the need for developers to make individual planning applications.

'The LDO will help facilitate development of the 13-hectare Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) at Old Mills, a greenfield site on the north-western edge of Midsomer Norton and associated road improvements.

'The proposed Local Development Order will specify the types of development that can be built on the site without the developer/occupier having to make a planning application. It will allow development to proceed without the time delays and costs associated with submitting a detailed planning application.

'The site could provide around 38,500 square meters of commercial buildings including general industrial warehousing and distribution space and offices.

'The LDO grants conditional planning permission for specific development falling within Classes B2, B8, C1, E and sui generis.

'The proposed LDO incorporates feedback received from residents during a six-week public engagement programme held in Summer 2022.

'The formal consultation started yesterday (16th January) and will last for twenty eight days until 13th February.

'Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “The Council identified the Somer Valley as an area with strong potential for future economic growth and if approved, the LDO will attract inward investment and encourage new development by simplifying the planning process and minimising delays. It makes it easier to deliver the development more quickly, adding to the existing commercial and employment opportunities in the area and creating additional new jobs.”

'The Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) was established in April 2017 to support local businesses and to encourage business growth in the area and the creation of new jobs.

'A designated Enterprise Zone provides business rate discounts, tax breaks, superfast broadband and other government support to encourage business growth and the creation of new jobs.'

The site is currently used as farm land and public footpaths with the vast fields used for grazing and dog walking.

The Journal reached out to Councillors and local residents for their views on the plans.

Referring to the plans in previous articles, one resident said: 'All of these projects [Somer Valley Enterprise Zone] pre-date the pandemic, but if coordinated effectively they could see Midsomer Norton reinvigorated at a time our community needs it the most.

'The Action and Enterprise Zones certainly make for compelling window dressing, but B&NES needs to learn the lessons of the past if it wants to avoid another Norton Radstock Regeneration debacle. Indeed, a science park or manufacturing facility located at Old Mills could be a God send, but if the Council choose to locate retail space at the site that could signal the end of Midsomer Norton High Street.'

The Journal are awaiting comment from local Councillors. Updates when we have them.

The consultation will run for twenty eight days and close on 13th February. You can take part in the consultation on the council’s website.

You can read an overview of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone project on the council website.

We want to hear from you. What do you think of the plans for Midsomer Norton/Paulton Somer Valley Enterprise Zone? Will this site affect how you go about your daily life? Send your views in to: [email protected]