Published By Insider Media
GREEN LIGHT LINED UP FOR AUTOMOTIVE R&D CENTRE
An application proposing an automotive research and development centre in Lincolnshire has been recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.
The facility would be located at Blyton Park Driving Centre on Kirton Road, Gainsborough, which provides testing, research and development of motor vehicles. It occupies the northern end of a former airfield.
Plans involve the construction of a centre focused on new automotive technology, in particular the development of electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
It would comprise a series of ten garage spaces, together with internal office/meeting accommodation.
The proposal also includes two wind turbines and ground mounted solar panels.
Although principally for parent company – Ginetta – for its research and development purposes, the facility is also intended to be made available to other teams and organisations for similar purposes.
A statement filed with West Lindsey District Council on behalf of the applicant said: This application is seeking approval to develop and improve the existing land use and associated business activity, by offering important new facilities and accommodation for research and development of new automotive technologies, important to all in order to secure more sustainable future modes of travel.
"Given that the proposed facilities are essentially ancillary to the established use of the site and existing business, planning policies at local and national level are generally supportive. As such, there should be no objection, in principle, to the proposed development."
Proposals will be reviewed by the council's planning committee on 2 February.
A report for the committee said: "The expansion of this existing business to provide a new research and development facility is supported on this site by the development plan.
"The facility will diversify the operation of the site towards a more sustainable future for the motor industry."
Approval has been recommended.