'Significant harm' - Update on controversial plans for new 13-unit Bilsborrow industrial estate near Garstang
“The proposal would not be well related to its edge-of-village location.”
The village of Bilsborrow is celebrating after the Planning Inspectorate decided to dismiss the appeal for a highly-controversial, 13-unit industrial park just off the A6.
The appeal was rejected on September 25 after His Majesty’s Chief Inspector ruled: “The proposal would not be well-related to its edge of village location, and would therefore significantly harm the character and appearance of the area.”
If the plans had been approved, a 13-unit business park, along with the necessary access roads and parking, would have been built in the village next to the A6, close to the Motor Trust UK car dealership.
Wyre Borough Council rejected the original plans in 2025, nearly three years after they were initially lodged in June 2022.
James Tomlinson, County Councillor for Wyre Rural East and Bilsborrow resident, reacted positively to the news, thanking those who campaigned against the proposals.
He said: “The decision by the Planning Inspectorate is a massive win for the local community in Bilsborrow.
“It goes to show what can be achieved when residents stand up and fight for the preservation of our rural village. Many thanks to everyone who helped achieve this great result.”