Filton to finally take off as masterplan approved

South Gloucestershire Council has passed a resolution to grant planning approval for the revised masterplan for the redevelopment of Bristol’s Filton Airfield. Filton Airfield, the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, is set to be transformed into a 6,500-home development known as Brabazon, offering homes of every tenure, from rental homes to open-market houses and senior living. The £800m new neighbourhood will also provide some 2,000 new student beds. The plans – developed by a consortium of architects and planners including JRDV Urban International, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, SWA Group, Grant Associates and YTL Construction Design Group – also include as much as 3m  sq ft of commercial space – enough to support 30,000 jobs. Three new schools and a higher education or research campus will also be delivered alongside creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities,. Seb Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, said: “The approval of the new masterplan for Brabazon is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. “It will transform not just North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, but the entirety of the West of England. The region desperately needs more homes. Brabazon will deliver 6,500, with more than 1,700 being affordable. “Local businesses need space to grow and expand; Brabazon will provide more than 3m sq ft of commercial space. That means the local cluster of world-leading engineering, aerospace and technology firms can provide new opportunities for young talent. He added: “But if we are to tackle the climate crisis, we need to build more sustainable homes in the right places. Brabazon is on brownfield land along existing public transport corridors. Maximising its potential will ease pressure on the green belt. “This decision paves the way for YTL Developments to build the new homes, offices, schools and community facilities we all need, and to do so in a way that is environmentally and economically sustainable.” Chris Willmore, cabinet member responsible for planning at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This is a historic place-shaping decision by the council for a major sustainable community with the necessary infrastructure to create a truly outstanding place. The plans for Brabazon will create a major new community for South Gloucestershire and a new quarter for the wider Bristol area, built on brownfield land.” Once YTL Developments, South Gloucestershire Council and National Highways have signed a section 106 agreement, Brabazon is forecast to create more than £5bn of added economic value for the local area. Images from YTL Developments View other planning applications in South Gloucestershire >>