Approval for Leyland masterplan
A document outlining proposals to build more than 850 new homes, community and employment facilities at the former Leyland Motors test track site has been approved by South Ribble Borough Council.
The masterplan, prepared by developer Property Capital, will shape future planning applications for the 120-acre site in the Moss Side area of Leyland.
A draft version was originally presented to South Ribble’s planning committee in March, but a decision was deferred with a recommendation to ensure the blueprint more closely matched the development brief for the site.
Property Capital undertook further public consultation, contacting 6,500 local people and businesses in May and June. Workshop sessions were held with community groups and a public exhibition was held.
Changes resulting from this round of consultation include a larger amount of land for employment use, a reduction in the density of housing and space for a medical centre and primary school.
The plan also now includes traffic calming measures along Longmeanygate and a new bus route through the site.
The revised masterplan was presented to the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, where it was officially endorsed. Planning applications can now be submitted, and work could start on the scheme, which is expected to be a 10 to 15 year project, within a year.
Cllr Cliff Hughes, South Ribble’s cabinet member with responsibility for strategic planning, said: “We have big plans for the future of South Ribble and the former Leyland Motors test track is a key site in realising these ambitions through the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
“The masterplan will prove pivotal to helping the council manage future planning applications for this site, which will provide a good mix of quality homes, a proportion of which will be affordable, as well as some excellent new community facilities for residents.”
The site, which lies between the Moss Side Industrial Estate and Longmeanygate, was used by Leyland Motors to trial prototypes and vehicles fresh from the production line, but has lain unused since 2005.
The scheme is part of the £434m Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.