Road concerns could delay new store plans

Proposals for the new low cost supermarket and eight other shops as well as a drive through restaurant were submitted to Wyre Council in February.

Kier Properties wants to build the new retail park, with space for 355 cars, on the site of former civil service buildings in Norcross Lane.

However Highways England has raised concerns over how the scheme might impact on already congested Amounderness Way.

It has asked for more time for talks with the developer to work out if improvements to the bottleneck at Norcross could be included in the scheme.

Highways England, which oversees the country’s trunk road network, is adamant no stores should open until the works are complete.

And it says conditions attached to outline permission for the site prioritise improvements.

A report, prepared by Highways England, says: “The 2015 (outline) approval required that no development of the retail element of the site should be undertaken until improvements to the Norcross Roundabout had been agreed.

“A plan of the required improvements has been submitted and approved in principle but requires detailed design from Highways England.

“No part of the retail development should be occupied until the approved improvements to the A585 junction had been completed.”

Highways England has asked for a decision to be delayed until June.