Cadbury Business Park
Unlocking rural employment growth through strategic planning
Client
Brickcourt Ltd
Location
North Cadbury, Somerset
RIBA Work Stages
0-3
Services
Town Planning, Architecture
Overview
Cadbury Business Park has become an established employment destination serving businesses across Somerset and the wider region. With demand for commercial space continuing to grow, the client sought to expand the business park through the delivery of eight new employment units that would provide flexible accommodation for a range of occupiers.
BoonBrown Planning was appointed to lead the planning process, developing a strategy that would unlock the site's potential while responding sensitively to its rural setting and planning context.
Planning challenges
The Securing consent required more than simply demonstrating a demand for new employment space. The site sits outside defined settlement boundaries and the previous outline planning permission for the wider site had expired, requiring a fresh planning case to justify the principle of development.
A key challenge was evidencing how the proposals aligned with both local and national planning policy. While the site formed part of the wider business park recognised within the North Cadbury and Yarlington Neighbourhood Plan, careful justification was required to demonstrate that the development represented a logical and sustainable extension of an established employment location.
The project also involved detailed discussions around access arrangements, landscape impact, drainage and the integration of new buildings within the existing business park. Through ongoing collaboration with the local authority and technical consultants, the scheme was refined to address stakeholder feedback while maintaining the commercial objectives of the development.
A policy-led planning strategy
BoonBrown prepared a robust planning case that focused on the economic benefits of the development and its contribution to rural employment growth. The strategy demonstrated how the proposals would strengthen an existing business location, provide opportunities for local businesses to expand, and support investment within the local economy.
Working closely with the design team, the planning approach also ensured that environmental considerations were embedded within the scheme. Landscaping enhancements and sustainable drainage measures were incorporated to support the development's integration into the surrounding landscape and improve the overall quality of the site.
At a glance
Scale
8 employment units, c.3,100m² commercial floorspace
Design
Three carefully arranged building blocks designed to complement the character and scale of the existing business park.
Sustainability
Landscape enhancements and attenuation features incorporated to support sustainable development and local flood management.
Wellbeing
Creates high-quality business accommodation with appropriate parking and amenity provision for occupiers.
Community
Supports local employment opportunities and strengthens the rural economy by providing space for growing businesses.
Impact
Secured planning permission following an extensive planning process, enabling the next phase of growth for an established Somerset business park.