URL: https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5244

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Dorset Innovation Park (DIP) is a 56-hectare, Dorset Council owned site approximately one mile west of Wool, South Dorset. The site was awarded Enterprise Zone (EZ) status by the government in 2017, a designation which will last for 25 years until 2042. The key benefits of EZ status include the ability for the Council to retain 100% of business rate growth.   The Innovation Park has considerable ability to make a significant contribution to the South Dorset economy through the provision of highly skilled and paid jobs and private sector investment.    The Council currently provides light industrial and office accommodation for rent to businesses and plots of land available to purchase for businesses to develop their own facilities. A sizeable proportion of the site, approx. 10 hectares, is still undeveloped.   Norco Ltd are an existing tenant on site within a substantial office and industrial building.  Norco are part of the Dorset defence industrial base and require additional land to accommodate an increase in their production capacity.   The council has been in negotiations over several months with Norco regarding the purchase of additional land at the Innovation Park to facilitate this increase in capacity.   Norco require a 3 acre plot to accommodate their expansion plans.  This will lead to the creation of an additional 60 jobs in addition to safeguarding the existing 30 jobs Norco currently employ on site.  Norco will be making a significant multi million pound investment in their new facility on the Innovation Park.

Content: Dorset Innovation Park (DIP) is a 56-hectare, Dorset Council owned site approximately one mile west of Wool, South Dorset. The site was awarded Enterprise Zone (EZ) status by the government in 2017, a designation which will last for 25 years until 2042. The key benefits of EZ status include the ability for the Council to retain 100% of business rate growth.   The Innovation Park has considerable ability to make a significant contribution to the South Dorset economy through the provision of highly skilled and paid jobs and private sector investment.    The Council currently provides light industrial and office accommodation for rent to businesses and plots of land available to purchase for businesses to develop their own facilities. A sizeable proportion of the site, approx. 10 hectares, is still undeveloped.   Norco Ltd are an existing tenant on site within a substantial office and industrial building.  Norco are part of the Dorset defence industrial base and require additional land to accommodate an increase in their production capacity.   The council has been in negotiations over several months with Norco regarding the purchase of additional land at the Innovation Park to facilitate this increase in capacity.   Norco require a 3 acre plot to accommodate their expansion plans.  This will lead to the creation of an additional 60 jobs in addition to safeguarding the existing 30 jobs Norco currently employ on site.  Norco will be making a significant multi million pound investment in their new facility on the Innovation Park. To agree the sale of circa three acres of land at the Dorset Innovation Park to Norco Ltd subject to planning permission and agreement of sale contract documents. Norco were part of the Dorset defence industrial base and required additional land to accommodate an increase in their production capacity.   Norco required a 3 acre plot to accommodate their expansion plans.  This would lead to the creation of an additional 60 jobs in addition to safeguarding the existing 30 jobs Norco currently employed on site.  Norco would be making a significant multi million pound investment in their new facility on the Innovation Park. Alternative options considered and rejected:   To not agree the sale of land at the Innovation Park to Norco Ltd.  This option was rejected as it would not facilitate the creation of new jobs, private sector investment or growth of the Innovation Park business rate income. Budget implications:   This sale will realise a significant capital receipt which will enter the general capital reserves.

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025