New Cotswolds village gets green light to be built as plans approved

Centred on innovation in agriculture and land management, the Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) Innovation Village will be developed next to its Cirencester campus.

The project is set to become a major hub for research, collaboration, and real-world solutions in the land-based sector.

Professor Peter McCaffery, vice-chancellor of the RAU, said: “We are delighted that our application for outline planning has been approved.

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Royal Agricultural University. (Image: Royal Agricultural University)

“The RAU celebrated its 180th anniversary last year and today’s endorsement by Cotswold District Council’s planning committee marks another significant milestone in the evolution of our university.

“The Innovation Village will be a major centre, both in the UK and internationally, for agriculture-related innovation, and is integral to the RAU as well as being a UK first.”

Spanning a 12-hectare site owned by the university, the 24,000 sqm development will include laboratories, office space, and facilities for events and hospitality.

It will focus on regenerative agriculture and is designed to be carbon-neutral and environmentally rich.

Buildings will be constructed to Passivhaus Plus standards to ensure low energy use and occupant wellbeing.

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Planning permission has been granted. (Image: Royal Agricultural University)

Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, Cotswold District Council’s cabinet member for economy and council transformation, said: “This is a truly exciting announcement.

“The Innovation Village reflects the direction set out in our corporate priorities for a more diverse, resilient, and sustainable local economy.

“It has the potential to support green growth and agri-tech innovation, attract high-value, low-carbon businesses, and create skilled jobs that strengthen the Cotswolds beyond its world-renowned visitor economy.”

The RAU hopes the village will encourage young people in Gloucestershire to pursue careers in the sector by offering training and employment opportunities.

The facility will also support collaboration between the university’s researchers, food producers, farmers, and landowners to develop practical solutions for food production and biodiversity recovery.

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VC Peter MacCaffrey. (Image: Stephen Shepherd / Royal Agricultural University)

The economic impact of the Innovation Village is expected to be substantial.

The RAU currently contributes more than £50 million a year to the Gloucestershire economy, and the new development is projected to generate an additional £50 million annually once fully operational.

Professor McCaffery emphasised the collaborative nature of the project.

He said: “Our international partners will also play an active part in the ecosystem of organisations that we are helping to convene at our Cirencester campus – alongside SMEs, industry R&D, government agencies, charities, community bodies, and other UK universities.

“Since launching the proposal, we have been in contact with many potential investors and funders and, following today’s decision, we are now in a position to move forward with those discussions.

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The plans have been approved. (Image: Royal Agricultural University)

“Today is an exciting day, not only for us at the RAU but also for the town of Cirencester and for Gloucestershire as a whole.”

Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, welcomed the project as a boost for the region.

Cllr Tooke said: “This is a significant step forward for Gloucestershire and a clear vote of confidence in our county as a centre for innovation in agriculture, food, and land management.

“The Innovation Village will help create high-quality skills and employment opportunities, particularly for our young people, while supporting sustainable growth in our rural economy.

“It builds Gloucestershire’s strong partnerships between education, industry, and the public sector, and will play an important role in shaping a more resilient, low-carbon future. Great news for the county.”