Permission granted for Cirencester innovation village

Outline planning permission for a 12-hectare Innovation Village at the Royal Agricultural University was granted by Cotswold District Council on Wednesday.

The village, located on a university-owned site off Stroud Road next to the RAU’s Cirencester campus, will feature laboratories, office space and event and hospitality facilities, it will be 24,000 square metres in size.

Permission has been granted by CDC’s Planning and Licensing Committee for an outline planning application with all matters reserved except for access for the mixed-use development linked to the RAU.

It comprises up to 24,012 sqm of floorspace for office, research and development, education, conferencing and cafe uses.

This includes the conversion of the university’s Trent Lodge to cafe use, associated parking, access and highway works, landscaping, public realm, utilities and all ancillary works and structures.

Centred on agriculture, food and land management, the site will act as a hub for research, collaboration and practical solutions in the land-based sector.

The RAU, located in Stroud Road, said the site will : “combine the university’s specialist expertise with international partnerships to drive economic growth, sustainability and educational excellence, shaping the future of sustainable innovation.”

According to the university, the development represents the UK’s first Innovation Village for the industry.

At present, the RAU contributes more than £50 million a year to the local economy in Gloucestershire.

Upon completion, it is estimated the Innovation Village will generate an additional £50m annually.

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Professor Peter McCaffery, RAU vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted our application for outline planning has been approved

“The RAU celebrated its 180th anniversary last year, and today’s endorsement by CDC’s planning committee marks another significant milestone in the evolution of our university. The Innovation Village will be a major centre, both in the UK and internationally, for agriculture-related innovation and is integral to the RAU as well as being a UK first.

“Our researchers will join with industry, food producers, farmers and landowners in developing sustainable solutions to food production and biodiversity recovery while building resilience in rural communities.

“It will encourage 16-to-24-year-olds to stay within Gloucestershire by providing skills training and employment opportunities and will be a beacon for UK and international businesses and our university partners.

“Committed to regenerative agriculture, it will enhance the UK’s international standing, driving economic growth through applied research, developing a highly-skilled workforce to build national capabilities within this priority sector.”

Tristan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and council transformation at CDC, said: “This is a truly-exciting announcement.

“The Innovation Village has the potential to support green growth and agri-tech innovation, attract high-value, low-carbon businesses and create skilled jobs that strengthen the Cotswolds beyond its world-renowned visitor economy.

“Supporting this outline application is an important step towards building long-term opportunities and leaving a strong legacy.”

Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is a significant step forward for Gloucestershire and a clear vote of confidence in our county as a centre for innovation in agriculture, food and land management.

“The Innovation Village will help create high-quality skills and employment opportunities, particularly for our young people, while supporting sustainable growth in our rural economy.

“It builds Gloucestershire’s strong partnerships between education, industry and the public sector and will play an important role in shaping a more resilient, low-carbon future. It’s great news for the county.”

Image: Cotswold District Council