South Ribble adopts transformation plan to boost business

A new development plan could give South Ribble an economic boost over the next decade, potentially drawing more businesses and individuals to the area.

Members of South Ribble Borough Council agreed on Wednesday (July 22) to implement a Local Plan to transform the borough for residents and businesses between now and 2025. The plan will guide new business and commercial developments, housing projects, education centres and transport infrastructure, which the council hopes will stimulate investment.

The cabinet member of South Ribble Borough Council in charge of strategic planning, Councillor Cliff Hughes, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have adopted a strong planning framework for South Ribble, which will give the council the power to manage the economic growth of our borough in a coordinated way, while enhancing its green and rural nature.

“South Ribble is in a superb location with accessibility and space to grow. The skilled workforce in the area is expanding, with development on the horizon which will not only create jobs, but drive significant improvements in the hearts of our towns and villages.”

The Local Plan covers a number of major employment areas, including the Enterprise Zone at BAE’s Samlesbury site and the Cuerden Strategic Investment Site, which is launching 2,500 jobs.

Lancashire County Council’s leader, Councillor Jennifer Mein, commented: “The adoption of the Local Plan for South Ribble is very welcome, as it provides clarity about the future development of the borough.

“This landmark is also very significant for the progress of the City Deal, as it maps out the borough’s future in a way that is clear for its existing communities, businesses, housing and commercial developers, as well as future generations who will live and work in South Ribble.”

The authority believes that adopting the Local Plan will bolster the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal. Additionally, the move could help the council bring many of its current plans to fruition, including the creation of a large new park in the borough.

Research from 2014 showed that South Ribble has seen higher levels of job creation than Liverpool and Manchester combined in recent years.