Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

communications technology to facilitate more flexible working practicesand the changing economic needs of the Borough.5.1.34 Development resulting in the loss of B class employmentfloorspace will not be supported unless otherwise allowed for bypolicies set out in the Core Strategy or where:• the proposal will deliver at least an equivalent number of new jobson-site or elsewhere within the borough; or• the existing premises are no longer suited for employmentpurposes or are incapable of being made suitable at reasonablecost and it has been shown that there is no demand for themthrough an appropriate marketing exercise carried out inaccordance with Council guidance (appendix 6); or• the existing premises have an unacceptable environmental impacton the area within which they are situated and this is incapable ofreasonable mitigation or the environmental benefit that wouldarise for the existing use stopping would outweigh the potentialloss in employment.5.1.35 Development proposals facilitating the expansion of river-relatedemployment will be supported, particularly where these involve the useof the river for transport and/or provide specialist training or otherfacilities intended to support the continued use of the River Thames as amajor commercial waterway.5.1.36 The loss of existing commercial wharves and other land-sidesupporting infrastructure will not be supported unless it can be shownthat they are:• no longer suited for marine related employment purposes or areincapable of being made so at reasonable cost; and• it has been shown that there is no demand for them through anappropriate marketing exercise carried out in accordance withCouncil guidance (appendix 6).120