A £4 BILLION factory to produce batteries for electric cars in Somerset have moved a step closer.

Agratas, part of the Tata Group, has started writing to residents to confirm plans to build a gigafactory producing EV batteries at the Gravity Smart Campus site in Puriton, near Bridgwater.

The move, which could create up to 4,000 new jobs, has been welcomed by leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton).

He said: “This is momentous for the county, its economy and for future generations.

“It’s about seizing an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry that will create thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid, green jobs.

“Agratas’ huge investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and regional economy.”

Cllr Revans pointed to the Hinkley C project in West Somerset and the hosting of Leonardo in Yeovil as examples of the county leading the way in business growth.

“Together with Hinkley Point C and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that modern Somerset is leading the way in exciting, high-tech industry and puts us firmly on the international trade map,” he said.

“We are committed to making this work for Somerset, its residents and our business community.

“We know how to deliver significant projects and work with communities to maximise the benefits of investment into our county.”

The Puriton plant is earmarked to be operational before the end of the decade, eventually producing 40GWh of battery cells each year, enough to supply approximately 500,000 passenger vehicles.

Once fully operational, the factory is set to be Britain’s biggest battery factory, and one of the largest in Europe.

Meanwhile, to address the skills need, the council said over the next five years, it plans to invest in the infrastructure, skills, site access and connectivity needed to make sure Somerset benefits as much as possible from Agratas’ investment.

The gigafactory would be on e of the largest in Europe. Picture: Gravity

This will be paid for by the Business Rates generated by the factory once it is operational.

The council and government are finalising an ‘in principle’ agreement for support, which will enable the scheme to happen without extra cost to the council.

The council’s Corporate and Resources Scrutiny committee will be asked to comment on the plans when it meets next month (March 7).

Cllr Ros Wyke, executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “This a very important day for the British car industry and our vision for Somerset. This puts Somerset on the map and sets out a bright future for our residents.

“This investment will create thousands of skilled jobs in the green power industry that will bring a myriad of economic benefits to the County.

“Agratas and the council will be working with local colleges to deliver the comprehensive workforce and skills solution, including strategic links to other training and academic institutions, to help deliver the specialist skills needed for this project, and to maximise the opportunities for local people and businesses.”

Martin Bellamy, chair and Tom Curtis, co–founders of Gravity, said: “It’s impossible to overstate how important this is for the UK. It is the catalyst to kick-start the electric vehicle revolution in the UK.

“As the biggest battery gigafactory in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe, its transformational impact will be enormous.

“We look forward to working closely with Agratas, Somerset Council, Bridgwater & Taunton College and wider stakeholders to deliver this gigafactory as part of the Gravity Smart Campus.”

And Andy Berry, principal at Bridgwater & Taunton College, said the community was ready to provide the skills needed.

“I’m delighted by this announcement and what it means for our community and the wider region. We’ve got a great deal of experience in workforce development – big infrastructure projects like Hinkley Point C,” he said.

“We can draw on that experience. We’ve been here and we’ve done this and Agratas can be tremendously confident in our community and in our workforce.”

The £4 billion battery gigafactory is set to be built on the Gravity site at Puriton, near Bridgwater. Picture: Gravity