Calls from community leaders in Peasedown St John to the Council to take their local business park more seriously have been ignored, even after a year of waiting.
Village councillors Nathan Hartley and Karen Walker want decision-makers and council officials to recognise it as a key strategic site within the region.
A year ago they invited the Council Leader to visit Peasedown to discuss the park’s potential and to meet local businesses. The invitation was never accepted.
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, our new Dorothy House Outreach Centre, 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.”
Last year, Dr Jo Farrar, the Chief Executive of the council, met with councillors in Peasedown who expressed their concerns about this issue.
Cllr Karen Walker, who is a local business woman herself, said: “We’ve asked council leaders to not forget about us. Peasedown St John’s Business Park needs to be seen as a more strategic business hub, acting as a central point between the Somer Valley, to the south, and the city of Bath, to the north.
“The services we have operating from the park are fantastic, but we want the Council to recognise the further potential of the site.
“We’ve given B&NES 12 months to respond to our request, and to date we have heard nothing.”
Since the Bath Business Park was set up in 2005, B&NES Council has restricted unit space to non-retail usage.
Just recently though, after lobbying from Cllrs Hartley and Walker, the council will now assess ‘A1’ (Retail) business applications on their own merit, which has not been the case previously.
