29th November 2017
Alder King teamwork brings Somerset energy park closer to delivery
Acting on behalf of BAE Systems, Alder King’s special projects and planning teams have secured the future of a former munitions factory site at Puriton, Somerset to form one of the most significant employment sites in the region.
Currently known as Huntspill Energy Park, the site was sold earlier this month to London-based Salamanca Group. The disposal was shortly followed by a successful conclusion to advice provided by Alder King Planning Consultants who secured outline planning permission for a 90 ha energy park.
The site is set to be redeveloped over the coming years with a focus on energy related uses. A low-carbon, on-site energy generation facility will provide energy to tenants, which are expected to centre on activities such as manufacturing, logistics and other industry and business.
The site could create over 4,400 jobs and generate £125 million of business rates.
The former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF Bridgwater) was constructed in 1939 for the manufacture of explosives, eventually closing in 2008. The factory was owned and operated by BAE Systems who will retain responsibility for decommissioning and remediating the site.
It is located close to the Hinkley Point C development and sits in the Heart of the South West Enterprise Zone.
Simon Smith, partner at Alder King said: “The sale of the site represents a significant step forward for this important site that will now have a pivotal role in meeting employment demand in Somerset and the wider region. The site will form a showcase for the introduction of embedded generation to a mixed use employment site, whilst also capturing supply chain uses linked to the nearby Hinkley Point C power station development. Investment in the site by Salamanca Group forms an exciting step on the road to seeing the site delivered for the region.”
Matthew Halstead, planning partner at Alder King, said: “Having successfully achieved the allocation of the Royal Ordnance Factory as an Energy Park in Sedgemoor’s District Council’s Core Strategy, we are now delighted to have successfully secured the subsequent planning permission.
“Achieving this planning permission has been a complex process. We are confident that the resulting development will act as a catalyst for inward investment, which will be a huge benefit for Bridgwater and the wider area.”