AMERICAN tech giant Epic looks set build its new European headquarters in North Somerset.

The firm, which specialises in health industry software, has had plans for the development approved on a 90-acre site between Long Ashton and Bristol.

North Somerset Council (NSC) said the scheme was a “major economic development” after it was approved by the planning committee on Wednesday (January 15).

The plan includes new office buildings, a 3,000-seat auditorium, a training facility and solar field on green-belt land.

The committee heard the development could create up to 2,150 jobs and become the largest private employer in North Somerset, boosting the district’s economy by around £140 million each year.

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Arguments were made for and against the application from members of the community, ward members and business and college leaders.

After several hours of debate over the plans, which were detailed in an almost 400-page report, the application was approved by nine votes to four.

Planning officers recommended the application met ‘special circumstances’ for developing green-belt sites, including economic benefits.

The plans will now be reviewed by the Secretary of State before the approval is finalised.

Epic is a software developer, specialising in creating programs for the health industry. According to the company website, it was founded “in a basement in 1979 with three half-time employees”.

It says programs it has developed are used to “help people get well, help people stay well, and help future generations be healthier” across the industry, including in surgeries, hospitals, rehab centres and in patients’ homes.