Leonardo Logistics Hub

Securing swift planning approval for South Somerset's largest commercial warehouse development.

Client

Leonardo Helicopters

Location

Yeovil, Somerset

RIBA Work Stages

Services

Town Planning

The Single Site Logistics Hub was built in 2024

Overview

As one of the region’s leading aerospace and defence employers, Leonardo required additional logistics capacity to support its expanding manufacturing and operational activities in Yeovil. The proposal centred on the creation of a major logistics hub, anchored by the largest commercial warehouse building in South Somerset.

The development would strengthen supply chain resilience, improve operational efficiency and support future investment at one of the area’s most significant employment sites.

Planning challenges

Securing timely planning permission for a major logistics facility without delaying a strategically important investment.

Large-scale warehouse developments can often attract significant scrutiny relating to scale, traffic movements, visual impact and operational activity. For a project of this size, maintaining programme certainty while navigating the planning process was a key priority.

The challenge was to develop a robust planning strategy that clearly demonstrated the operational need for the facility, its economic benefits and its suitability for the site, giving decision-makers confidence in the proposal from the outset.

Our approach

Developing a clear and compelling planning case that minimised risk and streamlined the approval process.

Working alongside specialist commercial warehouse developers, BoonBrown’s Town Planning team provided strategic planning advice throughout the development process, helping shape the scheme and guide it through planning.

Our role included:

Planning strategy and development advice
Policy appraisal and site assessment
Supporting the preparation of a comprehensive planning application
Coordination with the wider consultant team
Ongoing engagement with the Local Planning Authority

By focusing on a well-evidenced and policy-compliant submission, the team established a strong planning case that proactively addressed potential concerns before they arose.

Outcome

A smooth planning process, limited objections and a timely approval for a landmark employment development.

The strength of the planning submission resulted in very little opposition during the determination process, allowing the application to progress efficiently and secure planning permission within the anticipated programme.

The approved development delivers South Somerset’s largest commercial warehouse building, creating a strategically important logistics hub for Leonardo Helicopters and supporting the future growth of one of the region’s most significant employers.

This project demonstrates how early planning advice, a clear development strategy and a robust application can help major employment developments move smoothly through the planning system, reducing risk and providing confidence for future investment.