News
Final revisions for Wasdell’s Science Park plan submitted
Acting on behalf of Wasdell, Turley has submitted final revisions to the application for a Science Park that will enable it to increase its contribution to the pharmaceutical, medical supplies and healthcare industries.
If approved, the Science Park will create at least 600 additional jobs within the Swindon economy. Wasdell is Europe’s largest independent manufacturing and packaging supplier to the pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare industries.
We provided expert Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Landscape & VIA and Heritage & Townscape services for the high quality, sustainable Swindon Science Park which will deliver much-needed facilities for R&D and high-tech manufacturing in the region, as well as meeting the Group’s own requirements for growth.
The hybrid planning application was originally submitted to Swindon’s planning department in December 2018.
The Science Park will be situated at Inlands Farm, Wanborough. The location provides easy access to the M4 to Heathrow. This access is crucial for Wasdell to be able to transport ambient and temperature controlled goods within a fixed, short timescale.
The planning application consists of two main elements. Phase 1 is detailed, seeking full consent for the Wasdell facility, comprising land use class B1c, parking, landscaping, drainage and green infrastructure. Phase 2 is outline, seeking consent to demolish buildings, and a further phase of land use class B1c and B1b. All matters, including means of access, landscaping, layout and scale, are reserved for Phase 2.
The revisions have been made in order to respond positively to responses to a number of matters raised by statutory consultees and other interested parties. They include removing the temporary access from Pack Hill for Phase 1, and seeking full consent instead for a roundabout access for Phases 1 and 2, which will enable the early delivery of this part of Swindon Borough Council’s Southern Connector Road. A significant number of changes have also been made to the proposed design of the buildings in order to further reduce their visual impact, along with additional landscaping.
Specialist Science Park delivery consultants Cam-Sci has also been appointed by Wasdell to advise on appropriate mechanisms to ensure the park is delivered as planned.
Head of Planning South East, Peter Lawson said:
“This is a hugely important project which we’re delighted to be leading upon. The cutting edge facilities to be provided at the new Swindon Science Park will provide a huge boost to the local and regional economy, creating jobs and growth at a time when the importance of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries cannot be overstressed.”
Wasdell Group Chairman Martin Tedham, whose family work in the company and live locally, said:
“The Government has stated that the life sciences industry must play a crucial role in the future national economy, and there are considerable opportunities for our local and regional economy if as a town we embrace the life sciences and collaborate on R&D and investment.
“Recent events have brought home the importance of the pharmaceutical and medical devices supply chain. Wasdell is playing active role in the fight against the spread of coronavirus and patient testing in a bid to treat COVID-19. Lay people now understand the need for the few companies like ours that hold Specials Licences to provide support for the rapid testing of drugs in small-batch trials, and in the manufacture and production of products including often life-saving intravenous systems.
“We work in industries that are literally vital to us all, and I am proud of the contribution that my colleagues are making, and the Science Park will ensure that we can continue to innovate and grow the considerable offer that we have.”
The land agents for Swindon Science Park are Webb Paton.
11 May 2020