The site is allocated for Class B2 and B8 uses (ref. EP1.10) in the adopted Preston Local Plan (2015). The adopted site allocation states:
“This area of undeveloped land, measuring 25.5 hectares, is located to the north of M6 Junction 31A adjacent to the well-established Preston East Employment Area. The site is owned by the HCA. Due to the size of the site, and the surrounding sensitive land uses, the HCA have prepared a Development Statement for the site, which would need to be refined further as part of the planning application process. Substantial landscaped buffers, as proposed in the Development Statement, will be required as part of any development proposals to allow screening between the neighbouring dwellings to the north of the site and the employment site and to provide additional screening between the employment site and the land to the south (occupied by a large storage and distribution depot). The site is suitable for B2 (general industry) uses. Its close proximity to the M6 motorway and existing Preston East Employment Area road infrastructure also makes it particularly suitable for B8 uses (storage and distribution).”
Policy EP1 (Employment Site Allocations) states the Council will require a masterplan or development brief on sites identified with an *. This site is identified with a *.
The site continues to be promoted as an employment allocation in the emerging Central Lancashire Local Plan (ref. PC/EP1.5).
Firstly, the M6 (which is in very close proximity to the site) is part of the Strategic Road Network, connecting to other motorways such as the M61 and M55, therefore offering connections to a number of large centres such as Manchester, Bolton, Blackburn and Stoke on Trent. In tandem with the existing petrol filling station to the south of the site, the combined facilities will serve the needs of the motorist on the M6. Secondly, it is envisaged that the 2no. proposed drive thru units will serve the needs of both employees, and visitors to, the proposed employment development. Critically the site is allocated for new employment development, and there is also existing significant employment development to the south of the site.
The proposal has been the subject of detailed pre application discussions with Preston City Council and has also been the subject of a Screening and Scoping Opinion pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2017 (ref. 06/2025/0208).
As such, the draft proposal has been formulated in direct response to these discussions, and we are now seeking the local community’s input on the draft proposals ahead of finalising the scheme and submitting a planning application.
The planning application will be supported by an Environmental Statement, including Ecology and Biodiversity; Landscape and Visual Impacts; Traffic and Transport; Noise; Air Quality; Hydrology and Drainage; Climate Change; and Socio-Economic Chapters.
A substantial landscaped buffer will be incorporated as part of any development proposals to provide screening between the site and the neighbouring dwellings to the north. This has informed the masterplan. In addition, the existing landscape buffer / screening to the south of the site will be supplemented where necessary in order to provide additional screening between the site and the employment land to the south.
A noise survey is also being undertaken and this will inform any required mitigation measures with respect to servicing and plant and machinery.
Before we submit the planning application, we want to consult with local residents and businesses. We believe that consultation and engagement with the local community is important. By engaging with members of the local community, we can ensure that new development is delivered in the right way. While our plans are still progressing and evolving, this provides the ideal opportunity for local people to share their feedback on the proposals.
All feedback received will be reviewed and we will look to incorporate your comments within the scheme as it progresses. All feedback will also be collated in a Statement of Community Involvement for submission to the Council alongside the planning application.
Our method of consultation and feedback received will be summarised in a Statement of Community Involvement submitted as part of our planning application to Preston City Council. On receipt of the application, the Council will consult with a variety of stakeholders and consultees, including local residents and businesses, and will then make a decision on the application.