PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES PLAN

After exploring the constraints and opportunities of the site, Monte Blackburn Limited has developed an indicative layout for the site, which is set out below and shows how the development could come forward.

ILLUSTRATIVE MASTERPLAN

The proposed development will comprise the following (to be progressed via a hybrid planning application):

FULL PLANNING APPLICATION

  • Demolition of the existing livery buildings in the south-western corner of the site.
  • Construction of a vehicular, cycling and pedestrian access from the existing roundabout, together with an internal spine road.

OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION

(With all matters reserved except access)

  • Indicatively comprising 6no. Use Class B2 (General Industry) and/or Use Class B8 (Storage and Distribution) employment units (up to 75,607 sqm)
  • Indicatively comprising 2no. drive thru units (Use Class E/Sui Generis) (up to 470 sqm)
  • Associated works, including car and HGV parking areas, servicing areas, landscaping and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

The proposed indicative unit sizes are as follows:

  • Unit A: 56,000 sqm (plus 2,000 sqm of office space)
  • Unit B: 7,500 sqm (with 1,125 sqm of office space) /span>
  • Unit C: 6,000 sqm (with 750 sqm of office space)
  • Unit D: 744 sqm
  • Unit E: 744 sqm
  • Unit F: 744 sqm
  • Drive Thru Unit 1: 245 sqm
  • Drive Thru Unit 2: 225 sqm
  • Total: 76,077 sqm

The indicative scheme would provide for 1no. larger employment building to meet anticipated market demand, along with two medium sized employment buildings, and a smaller terrace of 3no. employment buildings. There will also be 2no. detached drive thru units. A detailed application, known as reserved matters, would confirm the precise layout and size of units, once outline permission has been secured.

A significant landscape buffer is proposed to the northern and eastern boundaries of the site to ensure separation from the residential dwellings along Cow Hill, together with opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.

PROPOSED ACCESS

The initial site access design seeks to achieve access through the creation of a fourth arm on the existing roundabout which currently serves as access to the petrol filling station / café and James Hall & Co Ltd distribution facility to the south of the site.

SITE ACCESS PLAN

 

In addition to the vehicular access, it is proposed to introduce a 3-metre-wide shared pedestrian / cycle route which connects to the existing Guild Wheel route to the east and south on Bluebell Way. This ensures that safe routes are provided to access the site by walking, wheeling and cycling to promote active travel journeys for future employees and visitors to the site.

As part of the sustainable and active travel strategy, amendments to the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) within the site boundary will be required. This will include upgrading the PRoW paths for better use and access. Applications under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) will be made to the Council to enable the diversions of the PRoW to be made.

KEY BENEFITS

Some of the key benefits this proposal can deliver are:

  • Important inward investment into the Preston economy
  • Effective use of a site which is allocated for employment development.
  • Generation of new high-quality jobs for the local workforce during both the construction and operational phases.
  • Creation of training, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for the local community during both the construction and operational phases
  • Spin-off benefits for the wider Preston community including the local supply chain.
  • Provision of modern, sustainable development, set within significant new landscaping.
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