Call in decision over Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

Planning applications for large developments can be called in if ministers believe the impact is on such a scale that a decision is needed at national level.

But a letter to Blackpool Council has confirmed the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove has ruled the scheme can go ahead.

The letter says: “The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”

The council’s planning committee approved outline proposals for new business and industrial units, a multi-purpose local hub and a new eastern gateway access road off Common Edge Road in October last year.

Investment will kickstart the third phase of development at the enterprise zone.

It includes the reconfiguration of Common Edge Road and changes to the junction at School Road to create an access road which will meet up with Amy Johnson Way.

A house at 2, School Road, on the corner of the junction, will be demolished as part of the work.

Permission also includes the construction of up to 35,000 square metres of business and industrial units, and a local hub including a day nursery, shops and a cafe.

Funding towards the infrastructure includes £7.5m from Blackpool’s £39.5m Town Deal.

Earlier phases of development include new grass pitches relocated south of the area, along with sports facilities including changing rooms and a spectator pavilion plus reconfigured car parking.