PLANNING for a new development in Sedgemoor, Somerset, that will create jobs for upwards of 7,500 people, has been made easier via the adoption of a Local Development Order (LDO) supported by transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD).
The new development scheme near Bristol has been designed as a net zero smart campus to accommodate large-scale, international, leading-edge businesses in multi-scale advanced manufacturing. The development aims to large scale attract automotive and battery manufacturing businesses – gigafactories – among other relevant commercial enterprises. There has been speculation in the press as to who may secure space at this market ready site.
Gravity is a large-scale site at 616 acres and is full remediated and market ready. The benefits of the location of Gravity include being on the UK’s national rail and motorway network, near Bristol Port and Airport, and the site has dark fibre already in place with a test bed on 5G underway. Also a new link road is open creating access onto Junction 23 of the M5.
WBD advised the landowner, This is Gravity Ltd, on promotion of the LDO. The site comprises a 616-acre former Royal Ordnance Factory identified as an Enterprise Zone and WBD providing legal support throughout the LDO process. This involved review of the Environmental Statement, finalising drafting of the LDO and accompanying planning agreement and providing governance support in the adoption of the LDO by Sedgemoor District Council.
LDOs provide permitted development rights for specified types of development in defined locations. They are flexible and locally determined tools that Local Planning Authorities can use to help accelerate the delivery of appropriate development in the right places. LDOs can help enable growth by positively and proactively shaping sustainable development in their area. They can play an important role in incentivising development by simplifying the planning process and making investment more attractive.
The LDO area for Gravity is one of the largest and most complex in the UK with over 1.1 million square meters of advanced manufacturing with rail head, road infrastructure and energy components.
Kevin Gibbs, Senior Counsel at Womble Bond Dickinson who advised This is Gravity Ltd, through the process of securing the LDO said: “This is a positive planning tool to support investment, widespread growth and prosperity in the area and, in the case of ‘This is Gravity’, it will deliver high quality, skilled jobs along with many other benefits.
“It follows many years of engagement with the community and businesses and a six week period of formal consultations, with modifications to the scheme proposed to positively respond to matters raised, including additional technical matters.
“The LDO sets parameters under which development proposals are effectively granted planning permission provided they accord with the requirements of the Order. The vision for Gravity is to drive the UK’s shift towards a zero-carbon economy and place Sedgemoor at the centre of the ‘clean’ growth revolution.”
Supported by the LDO, Gravity is aiming to provide a Skills Charter to connect local people to new opportunities, a Business Charter to help local businesses respond to supply chain opportunities, homes to encourage young people to stay, train and work locally, improved transport services, new leisure and open spaces to support health and wellbeing, continued work with education providers and improved infrastructure for energy digital connectivity and utilities.
Claire Pearce, Director of Planning and Economic Development advised ‘The development of a clear ambition to host a new generation of clean and inclusive growth in the UK and to accelerate progression towards a net zero economy, has been paramount to Gravity. We are delighted to have achieved the adoption of the LDO, and are focused now on securing occupiers, to enable us to initiate workforce development planning to ensure communities can access training and job opportunities.’
Councillor Gill Slocombe, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Sedgemoor District commented: “The Council adoption of the LDO is an important step to accelerate the delivery of the enterprise zone to create jobs and opportunities for local communities and businesses in the supply chain. Sedgemoor has an exceptional track record in economic development and delivery and this decision will create long-term permanent opportunities for people beyond temporary construction jobs on other large-scale projects. We look forward to working with occupiers to enable facilities that will need to operate in a competitive, global marketplace, putting Bridgwater and wider Sedgemoor on the map and within a set of wider assets at the heart of the South West”.