South Gloucestershire Council has given the green light to YTL Developments for their ambitious plan to construct 6,500 new homes on the historic Filton Airfield, marking a major stride towards creating a new urban quarter in Bristol. The project, named Brabazon after the iconic Brabazon aeroplane built on the site, is set to include the west of England’s largest urban park and a much-anticipated indoor arena, alongside a new train station.

This expansive development aims to repurpose one of the UK’s largest brownfield sites into a vibrant community hub, significantly increasing the original housing proposal from 2,500 to 6,500 homes. YTL Developments envisions this project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster sustainable living, with over 1,700 of the homes earmarked as affordable housing and 2,000 designated for student accommodation.

The 15-acre park at the heart of Brabazon will not only provide recreational spaces for the community but also serve as a haven for wildlife, enhancing local biodiversity. Plans for the park include a heritage trail linking the Brabazon Hangars with the Aerospace Bristol Museum, a floating boardwalk around the lake, and spaces for independent cafes and restaurants.

Seb Loyn, YTL Developments’ Planning & Development Director, emphasised the project’s commitment to sustainability, noting that Brabazon’s location on brownfield land along existing public transport routes is crucial for protecting the green belt and addressing the climate crisis.

In addition to the residential and commercial developments, the project will boost local infrastructure with improved road networks, Metrobus services, and cycling paths to Bristol city centre, facilitating easy access and promoting sustainable transportation options.

Councillor Chris Willmore hailed the council’s approval as a landmark decision in place-making, underlining the project’s potential to forge a major new community in South Gloucestershire and contribute significantly to the wider Bristol area. With an anticipated economic value of over £5 billion and the creation of more than 30,000 jobs, Brabazon is poised to become a pivotal development in the region’s growth and transformation.