Context

5.21 Portishead provides a very high quality of life, a pleasant environment and has a buoyant economy. New opportunities are in the service and public sector industries (Avon and Somerset Police headquarters is a major local employer), the creative sector and a huge increase in micro-businesses with many people working from home. These employment opportunities in no way match the local population growth, with many people commuting out of Portishead.

5.22 In preparing this plan, the Steering Group conducted both community surveys and held in-depth discussions with a cross-section of local employers. The results of this research are summarised in the Employment and Business Survey Analysis 2021. Local business owners identified the need for high quality mixed use business space as a priority for their future needs.

5.23 North Somerset’s Core Strategy policy CS20 identifies Portishead as a focus for either small scale employment development or regeneration. Portishead has attractive and varied neighbourhoods that are well-connected to a high quality built and coastal environment. The Lake Grounds, Lido, marina, leisure centre and the town centre offer a rich and varied resident and visitor experience, which contribute significantly to the vitality and viability of our economy.

5.24 The potential for future development within the Wyndham Way study area creates an opportunity to deliver significant additional employment space, including smaller start-up units in a highly sustainable location. The Community Action for Wyndham Way Study Area sets out the Neighbourhood Plan’s approach to this area.

5.25 The Neighbourhood Plan aims to protect existing employment and harness the town’s qualities to attract new investment. The Town Council is committed to supporting and working with the business community to build and sustain a strong and diverse local business and visitor economy that meets the employment needs of the community and supports development needs of employers.

Relevant Objective

O11 To support Portishead’s economy and local employment, and support the continued development of a diverse, high value and low carbon economy.

Local Policy Context

• CS20: Supporting a successful economy. 
• DM47: Proposals for economic development within towns and defined settlements

POLICY PPE2 - SUPPORTING BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND START-UPS

New employment development, including but not limited to, the provision of starter units, shared service accommodation and the development of offices will be supported where it will maintain resident amenity, the character of Portishead (as set out in the Portishead Community Character Statement) and maintain highway safety. Tourism and leisure development that enhances the offer and which does not detract from the vitality and viability of the town centre will be supported.