A Bristol entrepreneur who built the 'world's coolest Airbnb' using a Boeing 727 aircraft has received approval for a second plane project at the same site.
Johnny Palmer, 41, developed the distinctive lodging in the derelict jet four years ago - after transporting the aircraft from Cotswold Airport to an industrial estate in Brislington by road.
He has now secured planning permission from the city council to undertake a second Boeing venture - this time attempting to establish the 'world's coolest office'.
Ground Force is a mixed-use development that includes a café, co-working space, office, wellness facility, first-class lounge and a Boeing 727 private jet for events, film and private hire.
The proposals for the scheme attracted 77 supportive letters and 15 objections.
Mr Palmer said: "This is going to be Bristol's second-most iconic structure. People will think of Bristol and picture the Clifton suspension bridge and Ground Force.
"I am delighted Bristol City Council finally gave full planning consent."
The scheme will also include the Aether Sauna 'Sky Sauna' which will be a community sauna with city skyline views. According to Mr Palmer, it will be the "highest sauna in the South West".
"People are often critical of º£½ÇÊÓƵ planning policy," he added.
"While the process was lengthy I am delighted that the excellent people at Bristol City Council can see a vision beyond what anyone has done before in the city.
"This is a continuation of my first foray into aviation-based property development which will allow us to implement all the lessons learnt from the first one and also push the boundaries of what can be done with containers.
"This project will be epic and push the needle on what is possible on industrial estates. I also hope it will inspire young engineers and entrepreneurs globally as to how they can enhance their communities and build fun sustainable businesses."
When granting approval for the application, council planners noted the proposed development was "located far enough from residential development to not be overbearing".
The report said: "Objections were received in regard to noise to neighbouring occupiers.
"Whilst the LPA notes these concerns, the development here has been shown and assessed as office space.
"Within its context, the additional uses would not be considered to give rise to increased noise pollution given that it is located within an established industrial estate."
During the application process, Mr Palmer provided formal replies to each objection, which ranged from describing it as a "vanity project", a "publicity stunt" and one that branded the first plane an "absolute eyesore".
He said: "It's not a surprise that not much gets done in poorer parts of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ when some locals behave like this and attack the one person who is prepared to invest and make something new. But in reality the vast majority of people in the area are lovely and 90% of the people support the application."
He added: "It's the perfect place for this kind of amazing project as evidenced by the success of the first one."
The first airliner arrived in Bristol four years ago, and was transformed after a paint job. It has since become a community resource that is used by film makers, music video producers and event organisers.
With more land available and another aircraft for sale, Mr Palmer said it was "logical" to replicate the first project but on a "bigger, better scale".
He said: "I love the idea of Bristol being known as the place with the airliners on shipping containers. It adds to our global identity, inspires young engineers and is a spectacle to see."
With planning consent now secured, groundwork and additional construction is expected to start in January, with an official opening of the venue scheduled for March.
