Storage and distribution centre at Common Edge Road, Blackpool

“Location: PLOT 7A (BLACKPOOL AIRPORT ENTERPRISE ZONE) LAND BOUNDED BY AMY JOHNSON WAY AND COMMON EDGE ROAD, BLACKPOOL, FY4 5DY. Proposal: Erection of a building for use as a storage and distribution centre (1,742sqm Use Class B8) with associated service yard, access from spine road, parking, landscaping and boundary treatments. (Reserved matters application associated with outline permission 22/0265).”

“In terms of constraints, the overall site the subject of the outline approval is wholly within Flood Zone 1 and falls within the Blackpool Airport and Warton Aerodrome safeguarding zones. The application site is allocated in the Local Plan as Employment Land and as the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone (Policy DM8).”

“The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone status came into force April 2016 with a 25- year designation providing fiscal powers and incentives such as rate-relief for qualifying businesses and Enhanced Capital Allowance. The Enterprise Zone covers 144 hectares and is one of the largest Enterprise Zones in the UK. Around 62 hectares lie within Blackpool and 82 hectares in Fylde.”

“Recommendation: Grant reserved matters approval.”

“Recommendation Summary: This reserved matters application is for the access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of a major warehouse and distribution unit, within the Eastern Gateway of the Enterprise Zone. The site is allocated for employment uses and benefits from outline permission for B8 use. The design, scale, access and layout of the site are appropriate, and the site would be suitably enhanced by green infrastructure.”

“Blackpool Airport: The general landscaping layout submission is acceptable but, with respect to tree proposals, due to mature size and height, proximity to the airport and potential for attracting roosting/nesting birds we have an objection to the planting of the following trees:- • Alnus glutinosa - grows to a height of 20 to 30 metres (66 to 98 feet) and exceptionally up to 37m - large tree for nesting and perching to attract birds • Betula pubescens - growing to 10 to…”

“As such, no objections are raised subject to a condition requiring a Landscape Maintenance and Management Plan (LMMP) that includes a ≤10 m tree height cap and sets out whole-site maintenance (trees, shrubs, hedging, groundcovers, and meadows).”

“No representations have been received following publicity.”

“The location of the site was confirmed as close to the existing Multiply building and Links Point with has a prominent position on a bend in the road. The application was seeking reserved matters approval for a 1,742sq m building to be used for storage and distribution within class B8. A service yard and parking with landscaping was also proposed as part of this application. The scale of the building was appropriate and in keeping with the wider context of the business park.”

“The Committee was advised that this was the first application to be submitted for floorspace and fell within the parameters agreed at outline planning permission stage and was entirely acceptable in principle. No issues had been identified in relation to access and suitable car parking had been proposed, along with an adequate service yard and servicing provision to the same.”

“To grant reserved matters approval subject to the conditions in the Committee report.”