12/03/2025: Planners give green light to new Snetterton Innovation Park

Breckland Council's Planning Committee has approved the creation of a new Innovation Park, forming a key component of the wider Snetterton Commercial Hub, which is expected to bring jobs and economic prosperity to the district. 

The application was submitted by Motorsport Vision (MSV), which owns the 13-hectare site close to the A11. MSV also owns and operates the nearby renowned racetrack. 

Breckland Council has worked extensively with all of the landowners that make up Snetterton Commercial Hub, including MSV, over a sustained period to deliver upon a joint vision for growth. The location represents a key strategic employment and growth area within the district, thanks to the site's proximity to the road network, space for businesses to grow, and success of existing businesses in the area. 

As a crucial part of enabling growth at the location, the Council previously secured investment, and led delivery of, a new primary substation to significantly increase power capacity in the area, in order that existing businesses can expand and new businesses can locate to Snetterton. The benefits of this are now starting to be realised and take shape.  

Following a meeting of the Council's Planning Committee, permission has now been granted to build commercial offices, industrial units and motorsport workshop space on the site, alongside a hotel with café and EV charging facilities for vehicles. 

An Innovation Centre for start-up businesses may also be built in the future, which is expected to help attract even more innovative and growing businesses to the area. 

At the heart of the plan is a new flagship building for a leading developer of advanced driving simulator technology. Ansible Motion will be relocating its headquarters to Snetterton Heath and building a state-of-the-art simulation centre. The company uses simulator systems to help design and test various elements of vehicle design, including dynamics, tyre development and steering systems. 

This development will double the size of Ansible Motion's existing operations and enable the company to house all its research and development, design, and manufacturing under one roof, facilitating further growth and innovation. 

The move will enable the company to fulfil its aspirations for growth, not only safeguarding its current employees but creating a further 35 roles, bringing the total employed to 90.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland's Executive Member for Growth, commented: "I'm delighted that planning permission has now been granted and these companies at the top of the motoring industry have been given the green light to proceed with their plans. As a council we have set out a clear vision for the area, which will see businesses grow and succeed and new, well-paid jobs created both directly and in the supplier change, so it is brilliant to see this becoming a reality." 

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, said: "This is a very exciting time for Snetterton. Welcoming Ansible Motion and pushing forward with wider development plans is a real boost to the local economy. The development will give new life to the circuit and bring new race teams, motor sport businesses and advanced engineering firms to the area. We are seeking to deliver an exceptional, high-quality estate attracting innovative and growing businesses. Ansible Motion is exactly the type of business that we are seeking to attract and work with, so we are delighted that they will be spearheading the Innovation Park."

Dan Clark, Managing Director of Ansible Motion, commented: "Our company has a motorsport heritage, and we continue to work with a number of high-end motorsport teams. So, relocating to a Simulation Centre in close proximity to Snetterton, one of the UK's premier motor racing circuits, is an excellent fit for us. But it's more than that. Ansible Motion is expanding rapidly, so we're excited to be a part of this new technology and innovation hub in Norfolk, which will connect us with a broader growth ecosystem. In simple terms the new Simulation Centre will double the size of our existing facilities, and allow us to house all our research and development, design and manufacturing. We will also be able to grow our team. We currently employ 55 staff, and it's our intention to grow to approximately 90 over the next 3 years following the move to the new facility." 

Robert Todd, Partner at architectural firm Fielden and Mawson, noted: "This has been an extremely collaborative approach between the project design team, Breckland planning team and wider consultees".