Locking Parkland Planning Approval
8 February 2010
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Plans for the first development phase of the former RAF Locking site, approved recently by North Somerset Council,will provide a catalyst for the development of 6,000 sq ft of office accommodation, 100 new homes, a 14,000 sq ft office building and a 30,000 sq ft Innovation Centre.
The site, which has been owned and managed by South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency(HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency, and appointed development partner St Modwen, is now ready for the planned regeneration of the entire 200-acre site. While the long-term project is expected to take over 20 years to complete, it is set to create up to 1,600 new jobs and provide up to 1,500 new homes as well as 2.7 million sq ft of employment space, including a 430,000 sq ft business park.
RAF Locking, renamed Locking Parklands, was acquired by HCA and SWRDA in 2002 following the closure of RAF Locking as a training base in 1998. St. Modwen was chosen by the HCA and SWRDA as the preferred developer for the site in October 2008.
The decision marks an important step in the regeneration of the site and the scheme. Colin Molton, Director of the HCA in the South West said: 'Planning approval for Phase One of Locking Parklands is a very important decision for the future regeneration of the area. As owners of the site we have worked closely with our partners SWRDA, St. Modwen, North Somerset Council and the local community, to ensure it’s a place where people will choose to live and work. We are very committed to ensuring that the development meets local housing and employment needs and ambitions.'
Rupert Joseland, St. Modwen South West and Wales Regional Director said: 'We are delighted that the planning application for phase one of Locking Parklands has been approved. Our proposals reflect comments received during the public consultations carried out since 2006.
'We will be engaging in a further and final ‘Enquiry By Design’ community consultation process in summer 2010 with a view to submitting an outline planning application consent for the entire site by December 2010
'The vision for Locking Parklands is truly ahead of its time. Creating a place which brings together new homes, jobs and community facilities is a style of development which meets many of the challenges of modern-day living.'
Ian Knight, area director at the South West RDA, said: 'This is good news for Weston-super-Mare and is an important step in the wider economic regeneration of the town, helping unlock its business potential. We aim to create a visionary, sustainable community providing homes, jobs and community facilities at Locking Parklands. This will provide a long term solution to the employment opportunities in the town.'
Ends
Di Collins on 07825761880 or dianne.collins@hca.gsx.gov.uk, Zara Cottle or Catrin Millar, Equinox PR T: 02920 764 100 zara@equinox-pr.co.uk or catrin@equinox-pr.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
- The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England. Our role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. We provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve quality life by raising standards for the physical and social environment. www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
- The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic recovery. More information can be found at www.southwestrda.org.ukSt. Modwen is the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, operating across the full spectrum of the property industry through a network of seven regional offices and a Birmingham based head office. The company is wholly focussed upon regeneration with expertise in town centre regeneration, partnering industry, brownfield land renewal and heritage restoration. www.stmodwen.co.uk