PLANS have been drawn up as part of a project to create a business park to extend an industrial estate.

Proposals for the creation of a new vehicle and pedestrian access, off Sandwash Close, for a newly-created Sandwash Park, at Rainford Industrial Estate have been submitted.

English Land Ltd has sent in the plans as part of a wider ambition to develop the site.

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A planning statement, prepared by agents Frost Planning, on behalf of the applicant states: “English Land aims to develop a high-quality business park as an extension to Rainford Industrial Estate.

“It is to be known as ‘Sandwash Park’. The vision is to provide a range of warehouse and industrial units within Class E(g) (offices, light industrial, research and development), Class B2 (general industry) and Class B8 (storage and distribution) to meet the market demand in this area.”

Plans add “this vision would fully align with the Local Plan employment site allocation”.

The statement says that English Land has been marketing land off Sandwash Close for development since 2022 but, despite a potential occupier expressing interest this was withdrawn in 2023 due to “prohibitive build costs”.

Plans add marketing has resumed however this “is constrained due to the fact the main developable area is not accessible by vehicles, or easily viewable on foot by potential occupiers”.

St Helens Star: An image of the plans in the applicationAn image of the plans in the application (Image: Frost Planning (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

The statement adds: “Accordingly, the main purpose of this application is to carry out access works to improve marketing and help the delivery of the wider site allocation.

“This is by providing vehicle and pedestrian access into the main developable area (via Sandwash Close), including a suitable parking/viewing area for potential occupiers. In addition, the access works would also serve the delivery of the wider allocation.

“In summary, as a marketing tool and form of primary (access) infrastructure, the access works would help to unlock, stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate the delivery of this important site allocation”.

The application is on standard consultation to the public until Wednesday, June 5.

A decision by council planners is expected by July 5.