West Lancs to reject 13,800 sq ft cosmetic factory for second time

Cerberus Cosmetics is awaiting the authority’s verdict on its proposals to move to a larger Green Belt site off Southport Road, one year after the previous application was dismissed at appeal.

West Lancashire Council is expected to reject the manufacturers plans to move from its existing premises in the nearby Vicarage Barn to a larger facility in Scarisbrick next Thursday.

Cerberus Cosmetics manufactures skincare and cosmetic products for brand owners and hotel chains across the world, and wants to build a 13,800 sq ft cosmetic factory to facilitate business.

Evolve Architectural Design has drawn up the plans for the factory, which would provide 8,400 sq ft of manufacturing and storage space on the ground floor, with 5,400 sq ft of laboratories and offices upstairs.

At present, the company has had to refuse work due to the inability to accommodate visits at its current site. The move would allow the firm to manufacture larger quantities and contribute more to the local economy, according to a planning statement submitted by PWA Planning.

West Lancashire Council refused Cerberus’ plans in 2021 due to concerns surrounding the affect of the development on the Green Belt as well as nearby heritage assets.

At appeal, the Planning Inspectorate stated that the building “would have significant advantages for the business with further benefits for the local economy.” However, the inspector noted that the company had provided a lack of information regarding alternative sites.

Fresh proposals are the same in design as those previously-rejected, yet with more detail on those sites and financial information.

In addition to PWA Planning, the project team also includes Vectos, TPM Landscape, Martin Environmental Solutions, and Reford Consulting Engineers.

To find out more about the project, search for application number 2020/1092/FUL on West Lancashire Council’s planning portal.