Employment Article 4 Directions - Making Consultation 2026

Support

Representation ID: 17371

Received: 17/09/2026

Respondent: West Chester Business Improvement District

Agent: Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside

On behalf of West Chester BID, I am writing to express our support for the proposed Article 4 Direction covering parts of the Sealand Road Industrial Estate/West Chester Employment Park in Chester.

The Estates represents one of Chester's most significant employment locations,
accommodating a diverse range of businesses across manufacturing, logistics,
trade, warehousing, and business services. The estate makes a substantial
contribution to the local economy, providing employment opportunities for residents and supporting supply chains that extend across Cheshire and the wider region.

We recognise the increasing pressures facing employment land nationally and the importance of retaining strategically important industrial and commercial sites for their intended economic purpose. The proposed Article 4 Direction would provide greater local oversight of development proposals that could otherwise result in the loss of valuable employment space through changes of use. Such losses can have long-term implications for business growth, inward investment and the availability of suitable premises for expanding companies.

From a business perspective, maintaining a sufficient supply of industrial and
commercial accommodation is essential to supporting economic resilience and
competitiveness. The trading environment continues to play a key role in Chester's economic infrastructure and remains an important location for businesses seeking accessible, well connected premises. Protecting this
employment function will help ensure the area continues to contribute positively
to economic growth, job creation and business investment.

The BID regularly engages with businesses across Chester and the wider area, and we understand the importance of providing certainty and confidence for occupiers and investors. The introduction of an Article 4 Direction would help reinforce the long-term strategic importance of the estate and support the retention of employment opportunities within the city.

We therefore support the proposed Article 4 Direction and believe it represents an appropriate measure to safeguard an important employment location for the
benefit of businesses, employees and the wider local economy.