Planning Policy Wales - Brecon Beacons National Park

7.2.2 Key employment locations (key sites) should be selected in line with sustainable
development principles, with preference for the use of previously developed land (see definition at
Figure 4.1), proximity to existing urban developments, good accessibility to the public transport
and primary road network and good quality telecommunications. Key sites can provide a focus
for investment but should not prevent opportunities from arising in other locations, nor should they
be used to restrict changes which might be identified as necessary in the review of local economic
development policy.
7.2.3 Where policies aim to channel particular types of business development into particular
locations, clear justification is required. Technology and the requirements of industry and commerce
are changing rapidly; plans should reflect this.
7.2.4 Simplified Planning Zones (SPZs) offer a means to encourage development and to
generate private sector interest. Local planning authorities have a statutory duty to keep under
review the desirability of an SPZ scheme for part or parts of their area. Where it is intended that
planning consent for development proposed in a development plan will be granted by making an
SPZ scheme, this should be indicated in the plan’s reasoned justification. Plans should also take
account of any existing SPZ scheme in their area 5 .
7.2.5 Many businesses can be located in and around small settlements, and in residential areas
in larger settlements, without causing unacceptable disturbance. This can provide employment
opportunities for those who cannot readily access major employment sites and can help to tackle
social exclusion. In primarily residential areas, policies should not unreasonably seek to restrict
commercial and industrial activities of an appropriate scale, particularly in existing buildings,
provided that there are not likely to be adverse effects on residential amenity, landscape quality and
the environment.
7.2.6 Mixed use development should be promoted in, and adjoining, existing settlements,
where appropriate. Policies and supplementary planning guidance should support mixed use
developments, including flexible workplace / dwellings and commercial premises, where these are
appropriate.
7.2.7 Recognising the need for an industrial land bank, and that certain industrial uses
have characteristics that preclude their location in mixed use areas, sites designated for industrial
development should not be used for other single purposes such as retail, leisure or housing
development that could be located elsewhere. Other sites within urban areas which have extant, but
unimplemented, permissions for commercial or retailing uses may be suitable for housing (or other)
development that could help bring vitality to urban centres.
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Planning Policy Wales Edition 3 - July 2010 - Chapter 7 Supporting the Economy