Plans to create an industrial park in open countryside in Whittingham have been approved by Preston City Council.

The application proposed new purpose-built industrial units for General Industrial (Class B2) and Storage or Distribution (Class B8) on vacant, agricultural land adjacent to Sandbank Estate in Cumeragh Lane.

The existing estate is made up of 11 units described as no longer fit for purpose and in poor condition. The plans will see the demolition and repair of existing buildings to provide modern replacement, fit for purpose units for the existing business occupiers.

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One comment on the new proposal claimed that the industrial park being built on undeveloped open countryside will mean loss of green fields and that the area is susceptible to flooding.

Whittingham Parish Council objected to the application saying there are no special circumstances that justify the proposed industrial development in the open countryside on an unallocated site.

The Parish Council suggested that the existing vacant units should be demolished and replaced allowing for a phased redevelopment of site.

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Despite the objections, the proposed development is expected to bring economic and social improvement for the rural area, with planners saying it would sustain and encourage appropriate growth of rural businesses in the long run.

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