Former Leyland Motors test track on course for homes development
THE FIRST step towards developing the former Leyland Motors Test Track in Lancashire has been taken, with the signing of a land deal.
Contracts have been signed and exchanged between South Ribble Borough Council and Pilgrim Technology Ltd – joint owners of the land – and developer Property Capital.
New homes are planned for the site in Moss Side, with community facilities, employment and commercial development on the cards too. The scheme will also include much-needed affordable housing for people of the borough.
The next stage will be the preparation of a masterplan by developer Property Capital, which will set out the look and feel of the development. The masterplan will also protect open and green space on the site, identify points of access and make plans for pedestrian and cycling provision.
Residents will be able to have their say on any future development, as the masterplan will be put out to full public consultation before it is considered by South Ribble Borough Council’s planning committee.
If agreed, planning applications would then be submitted, and work could start on the scheme in as little as 12 months.
The 120-acre former test track site, which lies between the Moss Side Industrial Estate and Longmeanygate, was used by Leyland Motors to trial prototypes and vehicles fresh from the production line. But the site has lain unused since 2005.
The scheme is expected to take five years to complete, and is part of the £434m Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
Cllr Colin Clark, deputy leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We have big plans for the future of South Ribble and the former Leyland Motors test track is a key site in realising these ambitions through the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
“The signing of the land deal marks the important first step in the process and I’m excited that we can now get the wheels in motion to start bringing some real benefits to residents, including excellent new community facilities.
“This site will allow us to welcome new employers and residents to our borough, and crucially to have a plan in place to maintain South Ribble’s rural nature while doing so.”
