Councillors have approved a tech campus that could bring jobs but raises environmental concerns
Bristol: So, the council just gave the thumbs up for a big tech campus right on the green belt between Long Ashton and Bristol. It’s a 90-acre site that’s going to be the new European headquarters for an American healthcare tech company called Epic.
They’re promising to bring in about 2,150 jobs and add a whopping £140 million to the local economy each year. Sounds great, right? But not everyone is on board with this plan.
Many folks are pretty upset because the land they want to build on is seen as some of the best green belt around. It’s not just any field; it’s valuable land that people really care about. Some councillors even said it’s a bad idea to mess with such important green space.
During the meeting, one local councillor pointed out that it seems like Bristol gets the jobs, Weston gets the cash, and Long Ashton gets all the trouble. That’s a fair point, don’t you think?
Despite the pushback, the planning committee voted 9-4 in favor of the project, which led to some pretty loud protests from the crowd. One committee member called it the biggest opportunity they’ve seen, but others warned it could set a dangerous precedent.
Long Ashton Parish Council was really disappointed, saying this development could change their community forever. They mentioned that 96% of the feedback they received was against the project, which is a huge deal.
Over 700 people objected to the plans, with some calling it a “monstrous carbuncle.” They’re worried that if this green belt land goes, the whole character of Long Ashton will change.
On the flip side, some local leaders are excited about the potential jobs and economic boost. They see it as a big win for the healthcare sector. But even with the approval, the plans still need to go to the secretary of state, who could step in and halt the project.
After the vote, one councillor expressed his delight, saying it’s a huge opportunity for North Somerset. But others are worried that this decision will haunt them in the future. It’s a classic case of weighing economic benefits against environmental concerns.
