Two councillors in Peasedown St John are calling on Bath and North East Somerset Council to take the Bath Business Park ‘more seriously’.
Liberal Democrat councillors Nathan Hartley and Sarah Bevan represent Bath Business Park, which is located in Peasedown St John, on the council, and want decision-makers and council officials to recognise it as a key strategic site within the region.
Cllr Nathan Hartley said: “Peasedown St John’s Business Park is home to several multi-national companies such as Audi and Mercedes Benz, a state-of-the-art IVF clinic, popular local companies like Grapevine Communications and Halsall Construction, and Circle Hospital.
“In terms of credibility, we have one of the best business hubs in the council authority.”
According to the Peasedown councillors though, B&NES Council hasn’t recognised the full potential of the site, and what capabilities it has.
Nathan added: “Whenever the council issues statements about economic growth and business development, Bath and the Radstock/Midsomer Norton area are mentioned, but never Peasedown St John.”
Earlier in the year, the pair invited Dr Jo Farrar, the Chief Executive of the council, to the village to express their concerns.
Cllr Sarah Bevan said: “We’ve asked Dr Farrar to not forget about us. Peasedown St John and our Business Park need to be seen as a more strategic business hub, acting as a conduit between the Somer Valley and the city of Bath.
“The services already operating from the park are fantastic, but we want B&NES Council to recognise the further potential of the site.”
Since the Bath Business Park was set up in 2005, B&NES Council has restricted unit space to non-retail usage. Just recently though, since Dr Farrar’s visit, and lobbying from Cllrs Hartley and Bevan, the council will now assess ‘A1’ (Retail) business applications on their own merit, which has not been the case previously.
