Cadillac F1 seeks approval for temporary Silverstone base
A Formula 1 team could remain in offices it built without planning permission until December, if plans are approved by West Northamptonshire this week.
F1 debutant Cadillac plans to move into the 90,000 sq ft Unit 1136 at Silverstone Park later this year, having put up “temporary, portable” office buildings on a nearby car park in November 2025 as it raced to get on the grid for the 2026 season.
In December, the team put forward a retrospective application for its 20,000 sq ft temporary home, a series of modular buildings tacked together on a spectator car park near the Silverstone racing circuit’s famous Woodcote Corner, which the team plans to occupy until fit-outs are completed at Silverstone Park.
The team said it planned to complete its move in September, but has requested permission be granted until the end of the year to allow flexibility in case of delays.
In a supporting statement, TWG Cadillac Formula 1 said it had only been awarded approval by promoters, Formula One Group, in March 2025 – requiring a “quick turnaround” to get the new team up and running in time for the first race of the 2026 F1 season.
The season opener took place in Australia 12 months later.
Cadillac F1 plans to move into Unit 1136 on Silverstone Park later this year. Credit: Silverstone Park
“The team have had limited time to prepare for the 2026 season, which includes the creation of a new F1 operation from a base start, all of which must be in place before March 2026,” said a planning statement, prepared by Tor and Co.
“As Cadillac F1 remain committed to Silverstone Park during these unforeseen circumstances, the decision to build temporary, portable office buildings elsewhere on the park was undertaken, retaining the teams’ presence rather than relocating elsewhere at short notice, which wouldn’t be practical.
“As with the other specialist companies and facilities at Silverstone Park, the presence of Cadillac F1 will further boost the reputation of the park, circuit and Northamptonshire not only within the UK but worldwide.”
Around 300 employees work from the site, which will be taken down and restored to its former use as a car park once the team transfers to its permanent home.
The application has been recommended for approval ahead of a meeting of West Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee on Thursday, 7 May.
Applications and documents relating to the application can be found on West Northamptonshire’s planning portal using reference: 2026/0161/FULL
Other applications
Nene Valley Retail Park
Also set to go before West Northamptonshire’s committee on Thursday are plans to rebuild six arson-damaged units at Nene Valley Retail Park.
Applicant RI BQ Stockport put forward plans to demolish and rebuilt the units in November, after they were damaged by a large fire in May, 2025.
The application has been recommended for approval, with details available under reference: 2025/4357/MAF
Daventry 78-bed care home
Plans to build a large care home next to a 29-apartment extra care facility in Welton Road, Daventry have also been recommended for approval – despite an objection from the town council over the site’s overdevelopment.
However WNC’s planning officers say the scheme put forward by Crown Care would help to address a shortage of accommodation for an “ageing population” in the area.
The application will be decided on Thursday.
Plans and documents relating to the scheme can be found under reference: 2023/7816/FULL
