Need to acknowledge and plan for the considerable contribution that horse owners make to the local economy and particularly the rural economy.

Yes employment is critical at the larger settlements and everywhere where housing is located, or planned.

welcome recognition for a robust strategy to deliver local employment opportunities.

Large pockets of employment in the countryside - horse riding generates significant income for the local economy, but is generally no longer considered.

Agree that employment should remain an important factor in WsM development

The response to these questions should be read in conjunction with our response to the Employment Land Review at Section 3 of these representations.The emerging Local Plan offers an opportunity to consider the approach to employment development afresh, particularly given that the existing strategy, has not been deemed a success. Yet it appears that the Local Plan is leaning toward the status quo, and not giving adequate consideration to locations where there is demonstrable market demand.

A commitment to an integrated public transport provision is required to encompass all communities whilst recognising role of new technologies, smart working to reduce the need for employment land.

Given the significance of economic growth as an overarching objective of sustainable development as set out by the NPPF, we consider it is vitally important that the Local Plan 2026 and its evidence base is clear and unambiguous about what constitutes ‘economic growth’ and how differing business types contribute to sustainable development and meeting employment needs. Similarly, the allocation of sites and the development of policies to guide economic growth, should have regard to other factors.

It is agreed that the delivery of employment remains an important issue for Weston super Mare. However, the allocation of employment land should not be constrained to land west of the M5.

No evidence presented to show that businesses will be attracted to the proposed business areas.