Berkeley Science and Technology Park
The plans would deliver approximately 600,000 sq ft of new Research and Development (R&D), laboratory, office, manufacturing, and education facilities.
When complete, the development will create a world-renowned business, research, and training hub focused on nuclear related and clean energy businesses.
The proposal presents a significant opportunity for the region to be at the forefront of the clean energy and new nuclear era, building future skills and supporting innovation.
The investment would play a key role in helping the UK to achieve its net zero commitments by supporting cutting edge scientific research in the sectors that will be crucial to respond to the climate crisis. South Gloucestershire and Stroud College and University of Bristol are working closely with Chiltern Vital Berkeley (CVB) to achieve this.
The suitability of the site for redevelopment
The site comprises a parcel of previously developed (brownfield) land which formed part of the wider former Berkeley Nuclear Power Station. The site has an established history for nuclear, employment and education uses. It is perfectly suited to hosting the next generation of low carbon research and the development of skills that will support future global innovation.
The site currently occupied by the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park. It includes several underutilised buildings that have reached the end of their life with many no longer safe for occupation. The site needs investment to bring it up to modern standards and to maximise its potential.
As well as an allocation in Stroud’s adopted (and emerging) Local Plan, the principle of investment for innovative technology, net zero and employment is supported by relevant local and national strategies including the UK Government ambition to ‘Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower’.
Site location shown by red line
Existing site photographs
The planning process and next steps
CVB is preparing an outline planning application to deliver this vision which is due to be submitted to Stroud District Council in August 2025, following the completion of a programme of public and stakeholder consultation.
Subject to approval, the outline planning application would agree the principle of redevelopment of the site to deliver new cutting-edge research and development facilities. The outline planning application will include parameters for the redevelopment including development plots, access and landscape, building heights and uses (as shown on this page). All further detail, such as appearance, would be progressed and agreed through subsequent reserved matter planning applications to meets the specific needs of occupiers.
Visualisation to illustrate how the development may look
Development plots / access and landscape (click to enlarge) – setting parameters for the extent of development and retained buildings together with land retained for landscape enhancements and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Building heights (click to enlarge) – setting parameters for two height zones, including a central and periphery zone
Uses (click to enlarge) – setting parameters for the use (or ‘Use Class’ in planning terms) of buildings on site
Illustrative masterplan - demonstrating one way in which development could come forward (click to enlarge)
Key considerations
Drainage
A combined flood mitigation strategy for the site is being developed to assess and mitigate and flood risks. The primary source of flooding is tidal, which comes with advanced warning and preparations.
There are opportunities for longer-term strategic discussions on flood management with the Environment Agency and stakeholders beyond this planning process.
Highways
A comprehensive sustainable mobility strategy will be included within the Transport Assessment, ensuring a modal shift away from the car is encouraged. A robust Construction Traffic Management Plan will deal with the construction stage, routing construction traffic to avoid highly sensitive areas and peak times.
Modelling is also underway to establish highway effects and inform any required mitigation.
Engagement is also currently taking place with National Highways, Stroud District, and Gloucestershire County Councils to inform this approach.
Have your say
Public consultation is now taking place to seek local feedback on the proposed development. To learn more, you can also join us at an in-person consultation event, where you can drop-in anytime between 2:30 – 7pm on Monday 7th July at Berkeley Science & Technology Park, GL13 9FB.