JLL secures permission for new 160,000 sq ft logistics scheme on appeal in West Lancashire

Global real estate firm JLL has secured planning permission for nearly 160,000 sq ft of logistics space in West Lancashire on behalf of Linden Hill Capital Management.

Permission has been granted by the Planning Inspectorate following an appeal after refusal by West Lancashire Borough Council’s planning committee for the development of three mid-box warehouse and distribution units, next to Simonswood Industrial Estate.

The new development is set to bring 142 new jobs to the local area, addressing the current undersupply of employment land in the region and supporting its economic growth. The proposal also lays out measures to achieve a significant biodiversity net gain, helping the area to retain its rural character.

The development has already attracted interest from businesses, with international moving firm John Mason agreeing a pre-sale for a 27,250 sq ft unit within the proposed scheme. The company will relocate from its current headquarters in Huyton once the development has completed.

Joanna Gabrilatsou, regional head of planning at JLL, said: “There is a current lack of high-quality, mid-box warehouse stock in Lancashire which plays a critical role in any regional supply chain. It’s great that we’ve been able to secure permission for a development that will help to address this while also creating new economic opportunities in the area.

“The increased demand for these sorts of spaces is evident in the fact that a pre-sale for one of the units has already been agreed, and we anticipate this level of interest in the scheme will only continue as it progresses.”

The project team for the development also included AEW Architects, SLR Consulting and landscape architects Pegasus.