Area known as the Cuerden site earmarked for development

Major proposals for a multi-million pound retail and housing development near Preston are being displayed this week.

Cuerden employment area has been years in the making – and a campaign group calling for the development to be scaled back has urged those living nearby in Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall and Leyland to bombard their elected representatives.

John Jones from the Limit Cuerden campaign has spoken out regularly in the past about Lancashire County Council’s proposals for the development, which is due to be home to IKEA among others.

Mr Jones said: “We can’t stop progress on this scheme, but people can influence it.

“Can you imagine the traffic in Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall and Leyland with a huge retail park here? The traffic lights on all the roundabouts on Lostock Lane mean the congestion is as bad as it’s ever been. Adding in a huge ikea and other stores into the mix with only one road in and one road out. It’s a disaster.

“This scheme will have huge implications for Preston and Leyland centres and will probably kill off the Capitol Centre and Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall villages.

“The councils must realise it goes against their on plans to promote city and town centres?

“People need to speak up now and let councillors and developers know that this is not wanted.”

IKEA has long held ambitions of opening in Preston Pic: Toshihiro Oimatsu

The Cuerden area plan, which would be built where the M65 begins, is due to create around 4,500 jobs and Preston City Council’s leader has rebuffed claims it would be bad for the city centre.

Cllr Peter Rankin said: “There may be some concerns about the impact of retail provision on Preston City Centre and we will ensure, through the planning process, that this will be carefully considered and all the evidence thoroughly reviewed. There is major investment flowing into Preston City Centre with the Markets Quarter, Guild Hall, the Bus Station and the Harris – so we will need to ensure that any development at Cuerden complements Preston City Centre as a place to live, work, visit and shop.”

Read more: How Preston responded to the news IKEA is coming

Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, councillor Peter Mullineaux, said: “This could be a very exciting development, which has the potential to bring significant economic opportunities to South Ribble.

“Cuerden fits very well with our drive to provide the conditions for businesses to thrive, offering the space for existing businesses to grow as well as being an attractive offer for new ventures. The new walking routes, cycle paths and parks will improve access to green space for residents, employees and visitors.

“This is a great example of how the City Deal is creating a better South Ribble for everyone. I would urge our residents to engage in the consultation process and offer their views on the development.”

The plan for Cuerden site, which include 210 new homes as well as five other national retailers joining the Swedish furniture giant on the retail park.

How can I have my say on it?

The consultation events take place in the coming days:

Thursday 17 November – South Ribble Borough Council offices, Banqueting Suite, Leyland – 2pm-8pm
Friday 18 November- St Catherine’s Hospice, Garden Room, Cuerden – 2pm-8pm
Saturday 19 November – The Harris, Rotunda Area, Preston – 10am-4pm

You can also view the plans on the This is Cuerden website and people with questions regarding the development can contact the development team on 0800 089 0362 or by emailing info@thisiscuerden.co.uk

What do you think about Cuerden? Do you live nearby? Let us know in the comments below