Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Expansion ‘will prevent jobs going to France’
THOUSANDS of jobs and the “kudos” of a major project to develop the aircraft “wings of tomorrow” have been secured in South Gloucestershire.
Councillors unanimously approved the expansion of the National Composites Centre at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green – meaning it will not lose out to France.
The authority’s strategic sites delivery committee heard on Thursday, January 10, that concerns about the impact on the landscape and the listed Newlands Farm were outweighed by the benefits to the public.
Representing applicant the University of Bristol, Matthew Halstead said: “The National Composites Centre is a fantastic success. It’s a global leader in composite technology and has created over 340 high-skilled jobs.
“It is the largest composite centre outside China and is critical to the local and national economy.
“The new workshop is the next chapter. It will facilitate the Wings of Tomorrow programme developing the next generation of aircraft wing.
“Many, many jobs will be at risk if this doesn’t proceed in South Gloucestershire.
“Everything should be done to insulate the region from the risk of downturn.”
He said the development should not be at the expense of proper planning and he could think of no better site for it than within the science park.
He added: “If planning is refused, Wings of Tomorrow will be lost overseas. It will likely go to France. I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen.”