A significant proposal for commercial development has emerged on the outskirts of Preston, sparking both interest and concern among local authorities and residents. The plan, dubbed “Frontier Park,” seeks to transform land currently occupied by Little Rough Hey Farm. This parcel of land is strategically located off Bluebell Way, close to junction 31a of the M6 motorway, an area known for its accessibility and potential for industrial growth. If the development secures approval, it would establish nearly 86,000 square meters of space spread across five buildings designed for either “general industrial” use or for storage and distribution purposes. This is a considerable expansion that highlights the area’s potential as a hub for economic activity and job creation.
The Frontier Park proposal aims to cater to various industries, anticipating a mix of tenants that could benefit from the ample space available. The hope is to attract businesses involved in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and other sectors that require significant operational space. This type of development is not only crucial for the local economy, which has seen various fluctuations over the years, but it could also provide much-needed job opportunities for the surrounding community.
In addition to the buildings, the project plans to incorporate dedicated parking areas for both cars and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This focus on logistics is essential, particularly given the growth in e-commerce and distribution networks in the UK. As businesses increasingly rely on efficient transportation systems, ensuring that adequate parking facilities are available can significantly influence their decision to establish operations in the area.
Notably, the Frontier Park design also includes two proposed drive-thru facilities. While the specifics of these facilities remain undisclosed, their categorization under the current planning application allows them to operate as eateries. This aspect of the development could enhance attractiveness for employees and visitors to the estate, adding a convenience element to the businesses operating within Frontier Park. Eateries often act as informal meeting spots and can contribute to the overall vibrancy of a commercial area, enhancing the experience for those who work or visit the site.
The development is being proposed by Monte Blackburn Limited and has recently emerged as part of a request submitted to Preston City Council. This request is for a “scoping opinion,” which is an essential step in the planning process. A scoping opinion outlines the type of information that the local authority will require to effectively assess the environmental impact of the proposed plans. This is crucial, given the increasing prioritization of sustainability and environmental assessments in new developments across the UK. Local councils have a responsibility to ensure that any significant new projects consider their implications on the environment, including effects on wildlife, air quality, and traffic patterns.
However, as the proposal is evaluated, various stakeholders are voicing their concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact on the nearby M6 motorway. National Highways, the roads authority responsible for managing and maintaining the strategic road network, has been vocal in opposing aspects of the development based on preliminary assessments. In a letter to town hall planners, National Highways indicated that the proposed scheme could “impact the safe and efficient operation of junction 31a,” the interchange serving as the turn-off for both Preston East and Longridge.
This concern is compounded by the existing design of the junction, which only features a southbound entry and a northbound exit slip road. Because of this limited configuration, the authorities are warning that the influx of commercial traffic generated by the employment park could have knock-on effects across a broader area, including increased congestion and potentially compromising safety on the roads.
National Highways has explicitly stated that it would be “unlikely to support” any provisions suggesting that junction 1 of the M55 should alleviate the commercial traffic generated by this new development, particularly with respect to traffic from the north and west. The organization cited “existing operational pressures” at that interchange, which stem from its complex interactions with local roads, such as the B6241 Eastway and its own junction with the A6 Garstang Road. Local residents and authorities alike often voice concerns regarding traffic congestion in this area, which could intensify with the project’s completion.
In response to these concerns, National Highways has suggested that the applicant consider enforcing a routing strategy that mandates commercial vehicles to access the site from junction 31 of the M6, particularly via the Tickled Trout Hotel exit. This proposal would necessitate a roundabout route, whereby delivery vehicles would exit at junction 31, circle back, and return to junction 31a to access the new industrial estate. While this could indeed alleviate some immediate congestion issues, it presents logistical challenges for businesses and could lengthen transport times for deliveries.
The proposal also raises issues concerning the potential impacts on local roads, especially during the construction phase of the development. National Highways emphasizes the need for the applicant to provide a comprehensive transport assessment as part of the planning application. This assessment should detail the current capacity issues at junction 31a, particularly since some arms of this junction are functioning at or near capacity during peak times. These concerns are legitimate, as traffic flow is a critical factor in any large commercial development, and mismanagement during construction could exacerbate existing problems, leading to frustration for local residents and businesses alike.
In conclusion, the Frontier Park proposal stands at the intersection of potential economic growth and community concerns. If approved, it could lead to substantial job creation and business opportunities in an area that is strategically poised for industrial development. However, the pathway toward realization is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding the implications for local infrastructure and road safety. Stakeholders, including local residents and transport authorities, will continue to scrutinize the application and its impacts on the community as the assessment process unfolds. Balancing economic development with sustainable practices and community well-being will be essential as Preston contemplates this ambitious plan for the future. The discussions surrounding this proposal will undoubtedly shape the local landscape for years to come, making it a pivotal point of interest for Preston’s continued evolution as an industrial zone.