Update after tweaks to 160-acre Cuerden plan

An additional public consultation event is being held on Monday to update stakeholders and locals on proposals for the 2.2m sq ft development at the Cuerden site near Bamber Bridge, following amends to access arrangements.

Joint venture partners Lancashire County Council, Maple Grove Developments, and Brookhouse Group are bringing forward the scheme.

The JV said that the changes have been made following the previous round of consultation.

A hybrid planning application was submitted in February for the 160-acre site, which is set to include a 350,000 sq ft unit to be occupied by furniture giant Ikea.

The application to South Ribble Council 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.

DLA Architecture and Barton Willmore are advising on the project.

The public exhibition will be held in the Garden Room at St Catherine’s Hospice, St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5XU on Monday 21 August between 3pm and 7pm.

Cllr Geoff Driver, Lancashire County Council leader, said: “We have listened to the feedback from the community during the consultation in November, and through ongoing positive discussions with South Ribble Council officers and other stakeholders, amendments have been made to the proposals, including to certain design, highways and transport elements of the development.

“The planning public exhibition is part of our continued engagement with the local community and we welcome thoughts and feedback on the amendments proposed.”