Construction could begin on the first phase of a new ring road around Somerset’s ambitious £4 billion gigafactory project before Christmas, pending planning approval.
Agratas is developing the large-scale gigafactory within the Gravity Enterprise Zone, situated between Puriton and Woolavington. Slated to become operational in 2027, the facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs, boosting the local economy significantly.
Work is already underway on ‘Building One’ in the site’s south-western corner, following planning consent granted by Somerset Council in December 2024. Now, Agratas has submitted plans for the initial segment of the orbital road that will eventually circle the entire Gravity site. Approval for these plans is anticipated within weeks.
The Gravity Enterprise Zone benefits from a local development order (LDO) established in December 2021, designed to streamline approvals for suitable developments throughout the area. This LDO facilitates rapid progress by pre-approving compliant construction projects like the orbital road.
The proposed southern section of the ring road will extend from Building One to a new electricity substation, which National Grid plans to complete by late 2028. Two new roundabouts will be constructed on the road’s western end: one linking the site to Enterprise Way and another providing internal connectivity within the Gravity campus.
The ring road will trace the existing Loverose Way north of the 37 Sports and Social Club — which is set to relocate to Woolavington Road — before curving northward to the substation, creating new access on Ham Lane.
Notably, the route will include an emergency access via the B3141 Causeway, allowing fire and other emergency vehicles to reach the ring road if Enterprise Way is blocked. Designed as a single-carriageway road, the ring road will have a 30mph speed limit to ensure safety.
In keeping with earlier May 2023 approvals, the orbital road will feature a wide shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along its full length. South of the substation, new connections will also provide access to Woolavington Surgery via Crockers Hill.
Agratas has shared that public transport services will be accommodated with a northbound lay-by bus stop. Future bus services operating on Woolavington Road could drop off and pick up passengers here, with buses able to turn around at the first roundabout to exit the site.
Furthermore, the pedestrian and cycle path will connect seamlessly to existing routes on Woolavington Road, linking with an approved improvement scheme that offers an off-road connection between the villages of Woolavington and Puriton.
Somerset Council’s decision on these plans is expected before Christmas. Additional phases of the ring road, including a connection to the proposed Junction 22A on the M5 motorway, are planned to be submitted within the next year.