Terence O’Rourke Ltd secures permission for major development at Silverstone
RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year, Terence O’Rourke Ltd, has obtained a resolution to grant planning permission for major development at Silverstone Circuit on behalf of Silverstone Holdings Ltd.
Both Aylesbury Vale District Council and South Northamptonshire council have resolved to approve the outline application, which supports the venue’s 20-year masterplan.
Approval of the outline plans marks the next big step towards securing the long-term future of the international venue and, once complete, the development is set to further strengthen Silverstone’s position not only as the home of the Formula 1™ British Grand Prix, but also as one of Britain’s most important assets in the high performance engineering sector.
The outline application, which is currently awaiting a section 106 agreement following resolution to grant, incorporated plans for a business park, technology park, education campus and three hotels. In addition it featured spectator and ancillary facilities, with a welcome centre, museum and improved leisure and event spaces, including a kart track and outdoor stage. It also outlined plans for other ancillary development, encompassing landscape works, hardstanding and a support paddock, a bridge and tunnel to improve pedestrian flows, a new point of access, supporting infrastructure and demolition.
From its past work at the circuit over many years Terence O’Rourke was able to identify key constraints at the start of the planning process and was able to confirm and refine these through research and consultation with residents and local authorities. Also, from its knowledge of the site Terence O’Rourke was aware of the potential visual impact of the new buildings on the historic Stowe landscaped park which adjoins the circuit.
Throughout the whole process Terence O’Rourke worked closely with masterplan architect Cube Design, landscape architects MacGregor Smith, transport consultants PBA and development managers Bloombridge to ensure designs were influenced by the key concerns. In addition, Terence O’Rourke worked as the environmental consultant for the project.
It is expected that the development will create around 8,400 permanent jobs with firms and activities attracted to the site, plus an average of around 550 construction jobs per annum throughout the development phase. Approximately 4,800 of these jobs are likely to be directly related to the masterplan development.
Bridget Pearce, Technical Director at Terence O’Rourke, said: “It has been incredibly exciting to be a part of this project and we’re looking forward to seeing it become a reality as we continue to work alongside Silverstone and other key stakeholders. This is a huge opportunity to create a sustainable leisure, business and technology community, the likes of which have never been seen before all on one site in the UK. The majority of F1 teams and supporting infrastructure are based within the surrounding area, which will create huge economic benefit.”
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Holdings Ltd, added: “We are delighted with the outcome and approval of this planning application – this is the most important initiative that Silverstone has taken in its 60 year history as the Home of British Motor Racing. This planning will help maintain Silverstone’s position as a leading global centre for sport, leisure, education and technology and retain its position as a world-leading motor sport destination. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire Councils, for the way in which the two planning authorities have worked together on this application.”
A section 106 agreement is currently being drawn up between Terence O’Rourke and council planners. A series of reserved matters applications will then be submitted to add detail to the approved masterplan.