Explanation EC5

6.31

The Council has identified an area of South Prescot as an area suitable for mixed uses. The area includes three parcels of land which are indicated as parcel A, B and C on the Proposals Map. Much of the area was previously occupied by BICC Ltd in connection with the manufacture of copper cables and similar products. However, the BICC operations and other uses have contracted in the last twenty-five years, leaving large areas of vacant land.

6.32

The Council undertook a consultation exercise in the summer of 2002, during which the views of local people were sought on a range of options for the future development of the area. Whilst a mixture of views were expressed, the broad conclusion was that the area was in need of significant redevelopment.

6.33

The sites which are or could become available for development are all brownfield and suitable in principle for mixed-use redevelopment. However, to provide better access to the M57 (and therefore the strategic road freight network), the Council is seeking funding to construct a new link road. This would provide improved access from the area of Huyton Lane/Wood Lane/Liverpool Road, approximately along the current line of Carr Lane. Planning permission has already been granted for this new road.

6.34

The Council and its partners have also identified the need to improve Prescot station and facilities for buses in the area. It will seek funding (including where appropriate through the use of legal agreements with developers) to secure the necessary improvements.           

6.35

Area A is partly vacant and partly occupied by Pirelli Ltd for industrial uses. Policy EC6 will allow the continuation of the existing Pirelli operations (possibly within a reduced area) and the redevelopment of the remaining areas for employment uses.  Target growth sector uses (see figure 6.1) will be particularly encouraged in this location due to their future growth and employment creation potential.  

6.36

Area B comprises the northern part of the former Prescot sewage works. It is proposed that the bulk of this part of the site will comprise sporting or recreational uses, landscaping or open space to provide a buffer between the proposed employment development in area A and the neighbouring public open space at “Browns Field”. Part of this parcel will also be occupied by the new road.

6.37

Area C comprises land which was vacated by BICC Ltd in the 1980s and which has subsequently remained vacant. This area is located adjacent to the new Cables Retail Park and also adjacent to Prescot station.

6.38

Area C would be suitable for residential development and outline planning permission has recently been granted for new housing across most of the site. In addition to the uses specified in the policy, part of area C has recently been subject to two alternative proposals for substantial retail development, to form an extension to Cables Retail Park. Planning permission was refused by the Council, partly due to the impact of the scheme on Prescot town centre. The developer appealed to the Secretary of State, who dismissed the appeals.

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