The development will take place on green belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol over several years. Credit: North Somerset Council.

The planning committee of North Somerset Council in the UK has approved a 90-acre development application by US technology company Epic, paving the way for the establishment of the company’s new European HQ.

The project, which includes the construction of office buildings, a 3,000-seat auditorium, a training facility, and a solar field, is set to create up to 2,150 jobs and inject an estimated £140m ($171m) into the local economy annually.

The decision came after nine councillors voted in favour, with four opposing, during a meeting held on Wednesday (15 January).

The development will take place on green belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol over several years.

Epic, engaged in software development for the health industry, serving a billion patients globally, could become the ‘largest’ private employer in the region.

During the committee’s deliberation, which lasted several hours, members reviewed a comprehensive 400-page document and heard from both supporters and opponents of the project.

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The committee members acknowledged the application’s significance, with one stating: “This is the most significant planning application for North Somerset in decades.”

Planning officers had recommended approval, citing “special circumstances” such as the economic benefits to North Somerset and the wider UK economy, which justified the green belt development.

However, Long Ashton Parish Council expressed disappointment with the decision, emphasising the loss of high-quality greenbelt land and potential harm to local heritage and agricultural assets.

The council stated that the development has faced considerable local opposition, with 96% of Planning Portal submissions objecting to it.

Formal objections were also raised by Bristol City Council and other parish councils in North Somerset.

The UK’s secretary of state will now review the plans due to their special circumstances, which could lead to a call-in.