NORTHERN TRUST SUBMITS AMENDED PLANS FOR REGENERATION OF THE CARRINGTON CENTRE

9th May 2011

Northern Trust has announced that it has submitted a planning application to Chorley Borough Council for the regeneration of the Carrington Centre, Eccleston.

Following extensive discussions with the current occupiers at the Centre, members of the local community, the EC3 campaign group and Local Authorities, Northern Trust has taken on board the comments and concerns raised. Each of the issues has been considered in detail, resulting in a number of amendments to the original indicative plans. The new planning application includes the following amendments:

Reduction in the height of the retail shop parade to single and part two storey
Increase in the number and mix of size of retail units to accommodate all the existing retail/office tenants who have stated a desire to remain at the Centre including the Post Office, chemist and library
Relocation of the parade to the north of the site where there is greater separation to housing.
Maximisation of the opportunity to ensure the Post office, chemist, library, Co-Op and other shops remain open during development. This is the most important factor expressed by many local people and tenants.
Acknowledgement that the design of the retail parade is to be traditional with red brick/grey tiled roof and traditional shop fronts/canopy
Crossing island at the site entrance to make it safer for pedestrians using The Green
Removal of the vehicle access to Middlewood Close
Proposed construction of a new pond near Bradley Lane to replace the existing pond with an enhanced ecological habitat
Amended housing layout to maximise retention of trees
Confirmation that the playing pitch off Bradley Lane is to be retained (we have met with the football club to discuss a longer lease for their continued use of the pitch)

Other issues raised have been addressed by our team of experts in their respective fields and full reports covering traffic, drainage, noise and ecology have been produced concluding that any impacts from the development will be adequately mitigated so there is no adverse effect on the village.

A spokesperson on behalf of Northern Trust commented “We are committed to continue working closely with local people and the Council in bringing forward the successful regeneration of this vital facility for the benefit of our tenants and the villagers. We have recently met with EC3 again to discuss the amended scheme, and have offered a further follow up meeting if necessary following the submission of the plans.”

The planning application is expected to be determined before the end of the summer. Northern Trust is hopeful of a positive outcome to enable fulfilment of this major investment into the future of Eccleston and the wider Borough despite the difficult economic times.

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NORTHERN TRUST SUBMITS AMENDED PLANS FOR REGENERATION OF THE CARRINGTON CENTRE