16/12/2011
NEWS STORY
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Both Aylesbury Vale District Council and South Northamptonshire Council have approved* Silverstone Circuit's outline planning application, which supports the venue's 20-year Masterplan - the next big step towards securing the long-term future of the international venue, which is owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC). This significant outcome demonstrates both Councils' support of the BRDC and Silverstone's vision for the future.
Development of the Masterplan for Silverstone Circuit will realise the potential of this iconic international centre of the motor sport industry, and further strengthen its position as not only the home of the British Grand Prix, but also one of Britain's most important assets in the high performance engineering sector.
The development of Silverstone 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. At least 4,800 of these jobs are likely to be entirely new to the area.
Approval of the Masterplan conforms with the Silverstone Development Brief, issued in February 2009, and comprises:
Business park (maximum 122,519 sqm; use classes B1, B2 and B8)
Technology park (maximum 62,662 sqm, use classes B1, B2 and B8)
Education campus (maximum 34,658 sqm; use classes D1 and C2)
Three hotels (maximum 39,847 sqm; use class C1)
Ancillary retail and spectator facilities, including 'Welcome Centre' and 'Museum of Motor sport' (maximum 61,964 sqm; use class D2), with promotional and experiential automotive display space (maximum 18,600 sqm)
Improved leisure and event spaces, including a kart track and outdoor stage (maximum 65,075 sqm; use class D2)
Other ancillary development, including landscape works, grandstands, hardstanding and support paddock, bridge and tunnel to improve pedestrian flows, a new point of access, supporting infrastructure and demolition
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Holdings Ltd, said: "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."
Councillor Michael Edmonds, Deputy Leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "We have looked carefully at this application which will set a long-term context for the development of the circuit. The council's strategic development control committee carefully balanced the economic benefits, including the likelihood of 4,800 jobs, with the transport and environmental impacts and reached a unanimous conclusion that they should support the scheme. We fully recognise the importance of Silverstone to the local, regional and national economy and are proud to have the circuit within Aylesbury Vale."
Councillor Mary Clarke, Leader of South Northamptonshire Council, said: "Approval of this Masterplan, which secures major international investment in the future of Silverstone Circuit, is a key strategic decision for this country. Development around Silverstone race circuit will now continue at-a-pace, despite the continued economic downturn. Having Silverstone circuit within South Northamptonshire is a source of great pride for us and this is fantastic news for the economy, not just for South Northamptonshire but regionally and nationally. The investment in the high-technology sites, as part of the overall development, will also provide opportunities for secondary suppliers and other companies located in the district to benefit from this emerging centre of engineering excellence."
Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: "This development will be good news both for Northamptonshire and for Britain. The fulfilment of the Masterplan will promote Silverstone as a world-leader in the motor sport industry, and will also deliver economic growth and jobs to the local area in the high-performance engineering sector, for which we have an international reputation. I look forward to supporting Silverstone as their plans develop in the coming years."
* The planning approval is subject to conclusion of a section 106 agreement, which is normal for a Masterplan of this size.