Business park expansion will provide £30m boost to county's economy
Planners have given the go-ahead to the expansion of a business park beside the M5 which is predicted to generate an extra £30 million of revenue for the Gloucestershire economy.
Plans for a huge expansion of a business park near the M5 and M50 in Gloucestershire have been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector.
Tewkesbury Borough Council had rejected Tiarks Property Developments plans for the extension of the Brockeridge Farm business centre off the A38 in Twyning near Tewkesbury last year.
But this decision was overturned at a planning inquiry in May this year and outline permission has now been granted for the 11.7 hectare expansion of Brockeridge Park to deliver up to 33,329 sqm for storage and distribution use.
The planning application, which was originally submitted in December 2021, had been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers.
But it was refused in June 2025 by the planning committee with seven reasons for refusal given, citing conflict with twenty-three policies of the local development plan.
However, the inspector concluded that there was a significant shortfall of employment land in the joint core strategy area of Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester and that the development plan was “chronically underperforming”.
The inspector’s decision also identified that conflict with the development plan “carries limited weight due to the fact that this policy is out-of-date as a result of changes to the framework and because it has been overtaken by events on the ground”.
Black Box Planning director Conor Flanagan, who acted on behalf of the applicant, said they are very pleased the development can proceed after a lengthy planning journey.
“This planning application was supported by planning officers and notably GFirst LEP, and will deliver circa 500 high quality new jobs and economic investment at a fantastic location for logistics in Gloucestershire,” he said.
“The local economic impact is £27-30 million of gross value added per annum, supporting £16-20 million in annual wages and salaries from operational employment, as well as the significant economic benefits felt during the construction phase.”
He also said the strength of evidence presented also resulted in the council withdrawing its case from the inquiry.
Councillor Sarah Hands (LD, Innsworth), the lead member for planning and placemaking at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “We acknowledge the Inspector’s decision to allow the appeal for the extension of Brockeridge Park.
“As part of the appeal process, evidence presented by both parties was reviewed, including updated material submitted through the inquiry, and the council decided not to continue to contest the appeal.
“The inspector’s decision reflects their own independent judgement, as well as the merits of the scheme, need for employment land supply and how the proposal fits with planning policy.
“We will work with the developer to ensure the scheme is delivered in line with the approved plans, conditions and obligations.”
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.