Call for Ikea plans to be rejected over Leyland traffic 'chaos' fears

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Plans submitted to bring Ikea to Preston area

Furniture giant Ikea has already been earmarked for the site - at the end of the M65 between Lostock and Farington.

But councillor Paul Wharton, who represents Farington East on South Ribble Council, said Lancashire County Council’s highways report is worrying.

“It’s changed slightly. They’ve added an extra entrance off Stanifield Lane and changed a bus only thoroughfare to access to anybody.

“That’s two accesses now off Stanifield Lane which is renowned for accident and speed issues.

“There have been suggestions of people coming off the M6 through Farington.“Two weeks ago the whole of Leyland and Farington was gridlocked. It wasn’t a Bank Holiday. The Highways

Agency reported on their website it was purely to do with volume of traffic.

“If it’s like that normally, what’s it going to be like when this new store is built.”

He added: “No one seems to be listening.

“Lancashire County Council seem to be pushing it through - the City Deal depends on money coming from this site.

“I’m proposing they listen to genuine concerns rather than pay lip service to force it through.

“In my opinion, yes, the investment is welcome, however it’s the wrong location and we should really think about refusing it.

“The other Ikea stores are built on industrial estates and end of motorways - this is residential.

“It’s going to be manic. It’s going to be awful.”

If it goes ahead, the huge development of major new retail, housing and industry usage - is expected to create 4,500 jobs.

But a decision by South Ribble Borough Council’s planning committee was held up following serious traffic issues.

The application is now due to go before the committee on Tuesday, September 26.

County councillor Michael Green, who represents Moss Side and Farington, said: “Traffic is a concern, but I’ve been working closely with officers and I’m reassured by what’s coming forward and highway’s responses and they will be carrying out improvements to make traffic flow smoother and quicker.”

He said improvements included a crossing and speed restrictions on Stanifield Lane.

He added: “We need to make sure traffic continues to flow for the needs of the local residents, in the wider area, and for the employees and visitors to the site.”