Major Distribution Centre Approved for Blackpool Airport Site
Plans for a substantial new storage and distribution facility at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone have received unanimous approval from Blackpool Council's planning committee. The decision, made during a meeting on Tuesday, February 25, paves the way for Roofing Supplies Group Ltd to construct a modern 1,742 square metre centre, promising to enhance local employment opportunities.
Expansion of a Leading Roofing Merchant
Roofing Supplies Group Ltd, established in 2001, has grown to become one of the foremost independent roofing merchants in the North West. The company specialises in providing a comprehensive range of materials for both pitched and flat roof developments, with branches spanning St Annes, Manchester, St Helens, Morecambe, Carlisle, Deeside, and Burnley.
The new facility aims to amalgamate the operations of two existing depots located near the application site into a single, efficient, and purpose-built hub. This consolidation is expected to streamline business processes and improve overall operational effectiveness.
Features of the Development
The proposed building will be a double-height storage and distribution centre, incorporating a mezzanine floor and reaching a ridge height of 7.902 metres. Additional elements of the scheme include:
- A service yard at the rear of the site, housing a bin store and open storage racking.
- Extensive landscaping to integrate the development with its surroundings.
- Adherence to conditions set in the outline planning consent approved last year, ensuring compliance throughout the project's progression.
Context Within Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, established in 2016, is a 144-hectare economic development area spanning Blackpool and Fylde. Its primary goal is to generate up to 5,000 jobs by 2041. Currently, the zone hosts over 200 businesses, with a focus on aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology.
The zone is undergoing a significant expansion, highlighted by a new £18.5 million access road and infrastructure works scheduled for completion this year. These improvements will unlock 10.5 hectares of new development land, with the Roofing Supplies Group's distribution centre forming a key part of this evolving economic landscape.
This approval marks a strategic step forward for both the company and the region, aligning with broader efforts to boost economic growth and job creation in the North West.
