Plans in for 160-acre Cuerden regeneration

Lancashire County Council and Maple Grove have submitted a hybrid planning application for a 2.2m sq ft development at the Cuerden site near Bamber Bridge, including a 350,000 sq ft unit to be occupied by furniture giant Ikea.

The application to South Ribble Council for the 160-acre Cuerden site proposes 860,000 sq ft of industrial warehouses, 387,000 sq ft of offices, 757,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, an 86,000 sq ft hotel, and 120,500 sq ft for gym, crèche and car showroom. The scheme also includes up to 210 homes.

Ikea Cuerden

The proposals for the retail element, alongside the access and infrastructure for the site have been submitted in detail, while the rest of the application is in outline form.

DLA Architecture and Barton Willmore are advising on the project.

Cuerden is a key strategic site in the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.

Jeremy Hartley from Eric Wright Group, said: “The submission of the planning application is a major step forwards in the process of developing the Cuerden strategic site. The potential benefits of this site are substantial and we believe that the planning application makes a strong case for this development.

“The proposed development will enable the wider site to be brought forward, making it an attractive location for businesses to invest in the area. South Ribble Council will now consider all of the relevant documentation and we will update the community on the progress of the planning application.”

A community consultation was launched in November 2016. According to the council, more than 450 people attended public exhibitions and over 20,000 information leaflets were distributed in the local area.

Cllr Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We have received some very useful feedback from the community. There is a lot of support for the creation of employment, economic growth, housing and accessible green space. Naturally there was interest in the highways and transport elements of the proposals. Our specialist advisers have considered all of the feedback and have proposed a highways scheme which we believe will work. This will be discussed with South Ribble Council and the relevant highways bodies in due course.”

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Highways plan for this site is horrendous and ill thought out. Beware any retailer or business who signs up to this site. Roads are already gridlocked sandwiched by motorways. Access needs to be rethought – Residents treated with contempt. Avoid.

By John Jones

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below