Conclusion for Yew Tree Farm Sites: This site provide potential for employment land provision to meet local needs, however given its rural location and distance from the motorway network, plus the size of plots available, it is unlikely to support strategic B8 development. The site should not be considered as part of the deliverable supply of land capable of accommodating strategic B8 development.
XL Business Park, Skelmersdale XL Business Park is an existing employment area located to the north west of Skelmersdale. The Park comprises a range of employment uses, including three large distribution depots occupied by DHL, Asda, and Great Bear Distribution. There are two vacant plots at the Business Park: Plot B and Plot D.
The Business Park is located approximately 1.5 miles to the north of the M58 Junction 4. Access to the site is via the A5068 which is a dual carriageway. The site is located 13.5 miles to the east of the Port. This site benefits from good access from the strategic road network; and good public transport accessibility.
Land to east of Statham Road (Plot B), XL Business Park, Skelmersdale
Plot B of XL Business Park comprises 6.0 ha of undeveloped land which is currently not under any use. Access to the site is via Statham Road which joins the A5068 approximately 0.5 miles to the east. The site is bisected by Slate Lane – a small minor road. Other than this there are no development constraints at the site, and the site could support a large B8 unit.
Indeed the site has outline and reserved matters consent (2005/0393) supporting development of a B8 unit of 22,840 sq.m. The applicant was Gazeley UK and the development has commenced, but not yet been implemented.
Land to south of Statham Road (Plot D), XL Business Park, Skelmersdale
Plot D of XL Business Park comprises 11.0 ha of undeveloped land which is currently not under any use. Access to the site is via Statham Road which joins the A5068 approximately 0.5 miles to the east. The site is bisected by power lines running across the site east to west. Other than this there are no development constraints at the site, and the site could support a large B8 unit – similar to neighbouring plots.
Again Gazeley obtained reserved matters consent (2005/0393) in 2007 for development of a B8 unit of 45,355 sq m. The applicant was Gazeley UK. Again the development has commenced, but not yet been implemented.