Panattoni’s plans for 670,000 sq m of employment space at the site of the former Honda factory in Swindon have sailed through the planning process.
Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee approved the hybrid application for the new Panattoni Park at its April 11 meeting. Twelve of the committee voted for approval with one abstention.
Consent was given for demolition of the existing Honda buildings for a development with flexible Class E (g)/B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) uses along with a multipurpose hub. Up to 12 buildings are proposed in total.
The scheme, which stretches across 145 hectares, will mean the creation of 7,000 jobs. Honda had previously employed 2,500.
Among the element of full permission secured as part of the hybrid application is Unit 5, a 218,943 sq m fulfilment centre, designed for a specific occupier, with whom negotiations are ongoing. It is likely to be one of the first built if the proposed occupier signs up.
Honda, which opened the site in the 1980s, announced its closure in 2019. The car manufacturer spent 36 years in the town.
The team on the Panattoni project includes Barton Willmore on planning and UMC Architects on design.
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