Inquiry will decide fate of 1.3m sq ft Chorley industrial
Summary
FI Property Group has appealed Chorley Council’s refusal of a proposed 1.3m sq ft industrial and employment scheme on Green Belt land near Junction 3 of the M65. The Planning Inspectorate will now determine the outcome, with the developer arguing the site should be treated as Grey Belt and that there is strong regional demand for large industrial units.
Why it matters
The case is relevant to surveyors because it highlights how Green Belt/Grey Belt interpretation, local plan status and unmet industrial demand can shape major planning outcomes. It also illustrates the scale of employment-led development proposals that may affect land value, site appraisal and planning risk assessments.
Key points
- Chorley Council refused the scheme despite officer support, citing concerns over scale.
- FI Property Group has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
- The proposal covers 100 acres and would deliver 1.3m sq ft of employment space.
- The developer says the scheme could support 1,100 jobs and £44m a year for the local economy.
- The site is in the Green Belt and is not allocated in the emerging Central Lancashire Local Plan.
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