Job-creating Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone project edges closer

A “major scale, employment-led development” on a Government-endorsed and designated Enterprise Zone in Blackpool is edging closer to approval.Blackpool Council is seeking permission for the mixed-use redevelopment of land at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, Common Edge Road.The outline planning application with all matters reserved is for the reconfiguration of Common Edge Road to create a new point of access into the Enterprise Zone. A new spine road would be provided from this access point to Amy Johnson Way.Also included is the erection of up to 350,000 sq ft of business, industrial and storage and warehousing uses. Nursery, retail and cafe floorspace is also planned.Highways works include the reconfiguration of the junction of Common Edge Road and School Road and infrastructure including drainage works, electric vehicle charging hub, substation, car parking and landscaping.Two single-storey buildings at Collins Park and 2 School Road would also be demolished.Officials have drafted a report ahead of a meeting of Blackpool’s planning committee next Tuesday (11 October). It states that the Enterprise Zone will “assist in the diversification of the local economy and create a sustainable future for Blackpool Airport.The Enterprise Zone Delivery Plan indicates that within the lifetime of the Enterprise Zone, it would create 5,000 new jobs, attract 280 businesses and more than £300m of private sector investment.It will also generate a cumulative Gross Valued Added total during the first five years of £232m and £2.08bn over the Enterprise Zone lifetime.The report resolves to grant planning permission, however it instructed the application to be referred to the secretary of state.The report added: “Given that the development proposed is technically a departure from the Development Plan in advance of the formal adoption of Part 2 as the site includes Green Belt, playing pitches and public open space, it is necessary to refer the application to the Secretary of State for his consideration.”