Railtrack has submitted a planning application for 186,000 sq m (2m sq ft) of rail freight distribution space at the former Parkside Colliery, Newton-le-Willows, near Warrington.
The long-awaited move brings development at the 116ha (286-acre) site, close to junction 22 of the M6 motorway, a step closer. It will also reveal the strength of local opposition to the scheme. Railtrack says the application has been delayed to allow for environmental assessments and local consultation.
Railtracks case received a boost earlier this month when the North West Development Agency listed Parkside as one of 20 new strategic development sites. The Strategic Rail Authority has also offered its backing.
The application, submitted to both Warrington and St. Helens councils, envisages a new link road to the M6 as well as an open access rail freight terminal capable of handling 10 inward and 10 outward-bound trains a day.
Railtrack development manager Julie Wrigley said: “This is an important site for the development and growth of rail freight in the North West and beyond. It is clear that a strategic rail freight facility to serve this part of the country can play a major role in developing the UKs freight network.”
EGi News 03/09/01
