Somerset Council, along with a local MP, is lobbying for an area of Somerset's Gravity enterprise zone to be transformed into a major new centre for artificial intelligence (AI) development.
A significant part of the site between Puriton and Woolavington, which was once home to the Royal Ordnance Factory, is set to house a £4bn 'gigafactory' run by electric vehicle battery maker Agratas that is expected to start production by the end of 2027.
Somerset Council and Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, have been actively encouraging the government to allocate funds to develop the remaining plot into an "AI growth zone" that would attract high-skilled, well-paid jobs to the area.
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The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has expressed its willingness to explore the site's potential uses, with intentions to reach a conclusion by late summer.
During a debate in the House of Commons, focused on the government's industrial strategy, Mr Fox said: "As part of the government's industrial strategy, will the Minister and her colleagues in the DSIT carefully consider Somerset's bid for an artificial intelligence growth zone?
"Its unique advantages – the Gravity local development order, and its existing connections to the grid – make it an ideal location to boost jobs and growth."
The Gravity local development order (LDO), which has been operational since December 2021, allows for the granting of planning permission on specific land parcels within a larger site, as long as the development is in line with precise conditions related to design and usage of buildings.
Under the LDO, valid until 2037, proposals can bypass public review by the council's north planning committee, which typically oversees major projects within the former Sedgemoor area, and be granted approval directly by planning officers.
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In relation to this, National Grid has pledged to build a new substation at the Gravity site, with construction slated to start in September, although it will not be fully operational until 2028.
Reacting to the developments, Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP – Labour representative for Croydon South – said: "We have very big ambitions for AI and growth across the country, and I am very happy to talk to the honourable gentleman about his proposals.
"I am sure that he has already talked to colleagues in the DSIT, but I am very happy to take this matter further."
Governmental evaluation for any proposal aspiring to become an AI growth zone will hinge upon four critical aspects:
- Technical feasibility (e.g. availability of National Grid capacity and water for cooling systems)
- Delivery feasibility (e.g. local support for the scheme)
- Local impact (e.g. use of low carbon energy and potential to deliver improvements to local facilities)
- Level of government support requested (e.g. funding to pump prime development sites).
Chris Hall, the council's executive director for community, place and economy, provided an update on the council's bid at the Gravity executive sub-committee meeting in Taunton on May 20.
In his written report, he stated: "DSIT is inviting applications from the areas interested in hosting AI growth zones.
"Somerset, and the Gravity site in particular, is well positioned to offer a unique opportunity that meets the key criteria set up by the government, specifically around site characteristics, availability of key infrastructure and clear planning status."
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Mr Hall added: "Therefore, together with the site owners, This Is Gravity Ltd, the council is actively considering this opportunity as one that could be worth progressing.
"The process will be very competitive nationally, with only a few sites to be approved in the first wave. An announcement listing the successful locations is expected to be made in the summer."
If the Gravity site does not succeed within the first wave, the council will have the opportunity to apply again later in the year.