Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon site has long been a cornerstone of British automotive research and development. Once an RAF base, it was transformed in the 1970s into a proving ground for vehicle testing and design. Today, it is one of the UK’s most advanced engineering centres—where cutting-edge ideas take shape.
Now, it’s driving forward again.
As JLR pushes to lead the shift to electric vehicles, Gaydon is home to the next phase of that journey: a state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory. And we were proud to play a major part in securing the planning permission that turned vision into reality.
Supporting bold ambitions
JLR is making major investments in electric vehicle technology, moving fast to meet the UK’s 2030 net zero targets. With that ambition comes challenges, i.e. ensuring every vehicle meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and sustainability.
That is where the EMC lab comes in.
The new facility enables JLR to test vehicle batteries and electrical systems in-house. It is designed to simulate a wide range of conditions—from signal interference to power fluctuations—making sure that every component functions perfectly in the real world. The result? Safer vehicles, smarter systems, and a faster path to market.
What we delivered
Our planning team worked closely with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and statutory consultees to achieve consent for a highly specialised new building.
The scheme included:
- 1,856 sqm purpose-built facility with basement, ground, and mezzanine levels
- Use Class B2 to support industrial testing and research
- Dedicated service yards, compounds, and infrastructure
- A detached electrical substation and feeder road to ensure reliable power supply
We tackled complex design, technical, and environmental hurdles to keep the project moving and aligned with JLR’s ambitious timeline.
A boost for innovation and the local economy
This isn’t just a lab but a long-term investment in UK engineering.
By keeping testing onshore, JLR lowers its carbon footprint, strengthens its control over quality, and boosts speed to innovation. The facility has already created 250 new electrification jobs, contributing to local skills and supply chain development.
Planning for the road ahead
This development strengthens Gaydon’s position as a global centre for automotive R&D. It shows how forward-thinking planning can enable the kind of infrastructure industries need today, to lead in the future.
“The importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated. Opening this new testing facility is an important step forward for the business and it will play a crucial role in helping us deliver quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.”
— Peter Phillips, Senior Manager, Electromagnetics and Compliance, Jaguar Land Rover
