Proposed Regeneration of East Quarry, Appley Bridge

An outline planning application for the development of a former quarry site in Appley Bridge, West Lancashire, has been submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council by north-west based planning consultancy, Steven Abbott Associates LLP, on behalf of Mainsprint Limited.

The proposals are for a mixed-use scheme which includes residential apartments, family homes, public parking for commuters, a new Community Centre, a restaurant and a hotel on the East Quarry site.

The scheme has been designed by Appley Bridge based Peter Dickinson Architects.  The outstanding elements of the scheme are the ‘floating’ houses and restaurant on the water which has filled the quarry void since quarrying ceased in 1992.

Christie McDonald, Associate at Steven Abbott Associates LLP, said:

“This is a scheme which has taken many years to reach submission stage.  During this period there have been high level discussions with West Lancashire Borough Council and extensive public consultation has also taken place.  There is an on-road parking problem adjacent the site created mainly by commuters who use the nearby train station and the proposals include a car park which seeks to alleviate this.  The floating elements of the scheme are considered to be a highly innovative method of utilising the existing features of the quarry and thus avoiding the need to infill the site; something which the local residents had voiced their concerns about and we were therefore keen to avoid.

The houses and apartments sited on the sides of the quarry will have excellent views of the water and the new Community Centre will replace the existing, outdated structure and provide the local community with an excellent modern facility.  In addition, the hotel and restaurant will provide employment opportunities for local people and add to the tourism options in the area.”

Once planning permission has been obtained, Mainsprint Limited will be marketing the site.

For further information on Steven Abbott Associates LLP’s expert team and the services provided please contact us on 01257 251177 or via email.

(September 2011)