Consultation launched on Formby scheme that could support 1,000 jobs

A development scheme which could support more than 1,000 jobs in Formby, north Merseyside, has opened a consultation phase.

Sefton and Formby Developments, which was incorporated in May last year, is seeking feedback on the proposals for 25,000 sqm of new employment space alongside the Formby bypass (A565).

A limited proportion of the site will be made available for retail development uses and a potential health care facility, which will provide private sector funding to enable the employment development to happen.

The site is allocated for employment development in Sefton Council’s Local Plan and around 75% of the site will be dedicated to employment, light industrial and logistics floorspace to support established and growing businesses in Sefton.

Members of the public are being asked for feedback on the plans, which also include new Lidl and M and S foodstores, a Costa Coffee drive-thru and a potential new health care facility.

If the planning application for The Point is successful, Lidl will be the first discount supermarket in Formby, and M and S intends to relocate from its existing store in Formby Village to a modern store capable of stocking the full M and S food range.

Information leaflets are being delivered around the area, and the plans and proposal details can be found online at www.thepoint-formby.co.uk

Peter Wilkinson, on behalf of Sefton and Formby Developments, said: “This site has been allocated by Sefton Council to provide modern, high quality and much needed employment space in Formby.

“It has long been recognised that new employment development is needed in the town to satisfy demand from established local businesses and to attract new companies to the area.

“Complementary uses are being proposed that will help fund the project. These include a new Lidl discount supermarket and a modern M and S foodstore for the town. As part of the works, significant highways improvements are also planned, including traffic light-controlled access from the Formby bypass.”

He added: “We would encourage the local community to take part in the consultation, to let us know what they think about the plans.”

Stuart Jardine, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We believe that a new Lidl store would bring substantial benefits to the community. Not only would this provide residents with access to our affordable high quality products, but also provide a significant boost to the local economy by creating new job opportunities for locals.”

M and S Property Director, Will Smith, said: “We are rotating our store estate so that we have the best stores in the right place so our customers can shop when and how they want. Our proposals for a new 16,000 sq ft M and S in Formby will enable customers to shop the full M and S range in a fresh market environment with fresh bakery, produce and flower shop as well as everyday staples and the quality and trusted value that they expect from M and S.”

A hybrid planning application will be submitted to Sefton Council in the coming weeks.

In July this year Sefton councillors rejected £9m plans by supermarket chain, Aldi, to develop a new site on brownfield land just off the Formby bypass, that would have created 40 jobs.

The proposal was rejected over concerns about the impact a new supermarket would have on traffic, and Green Belt issues.

Harington ward Labour Cllr, Carol Richards, described the proposal as “the right store, but in the wrong place”.

Fellow Harrington ward Conservative Cllr, Joe Riley, said the plan was “inappropriate use of the green belt”.

He was also concerned about traffic implications, with shoppers queueing to enter the store from a 60mph carriageway. He said: “The Formby bypass would become the Formby seizure.”