New traffic light junction for key Blackpool route

The details emerged in a timetable which has been set out for work to put in a new road and football pitches as part of the development.

It is hoped players will start using the pitches being laid on land off Common Edge Road in time for the start of the September 2021 season.

A new road linking Common Edge Road with Amy Johnson Way has a target date for completion by the first quarter of 2022.

Currently identified as the eastern gateway access road, work will also include upgrading of Common Edge Road between School Road and Division Lane.

A progress report on work at the Enterprise Zone says: "Blackpool highways team are currently remodelling the road design to ensure the local infrastructure can cope with additional commercial development.

"The position of the access road, which will now be a traffic light junction rather than a roundabout, will be located to the north of South Shore Cricket Club."

The report for the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board, adds delays to the M55 link road, to link the back of St Annes with the motorway, are "not critical to the ability to develop out phase one of the EZ."

Planning applications for 12 grassed football pitches to be relocated onto former airport land are currently being considered by both Blackpool and Fylde councils.

A second planning application is due to be submitted in the next few weeks for two 3G pitches, new changing room facilities, a new car park and access into the site.

A third outline planning application will follow for the road works and use of the former Common Edge Playing fields for commercial and residential development in line with the original masterplan.

Blackpool Council has borrowed £28.8m for initial investment in essential infrastructure for the enterprise zone including including the road links.

The masterplan for the first phase was unveiled last year and includes 57 homes on Common Edge Road land, a sports village with relocation of football pitches, industrial land and roadworks.