A MAJOR planning application has been submitted for further business development which could provide up to 4,000 more jobs on the giant Omega site close to the M62 Junction 8 at Warrington.
The outline proposals for “Zone 7” of the Omega South site have been put forward by Omega Warrington Ltd (OWL).
They involve logistics and manufacturing developments and have already been the subject of public consultation 
events in Great Sankey, Westbrook and Burtonwood.
There has also been considerable consultation with Warrington Borough Council’s highways and planning officers along with other key stakeholders.
Plans include: 2.1m sq ft of manufacturing and logistics space and a new access road providing a link from Junction 8 of the M62 to Omega Boulevard.
There is also 35 acres of publically accessible “Green Heart” woodland and parkland for wildlife preservation.
Zone 7 is set within the context of a wider Omega masterplan which seeks to deliver a high quality, mixed-use development of commercial uses -offices, logistics and manufacturing – new homes, a school, retail and restaurants/bars/hotel.
The masterplan also includes a comprehensive approach to transport, landscape and ecology.
Andrew Sutherland, joint MD for Miller Developments, which is a joint shareholder with a subsidiary of RBS plc in OWL said: “Omega has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing, preferred logistics locations in the UK for a number of companies and demand from new potential occupiers is strong.
“We are therefore seeking to maintain the momentum created on Omega North and with the first phase of activity in the South, that has already secured in the region of £200m of private sector investment and around 1700 jobs.
“We have been working with our partners at the Home and Community Agency, Warrington Borough Council and the Cheshire and Warrington LEP on the masterplan for several years.
“Following further public consultation, this is the first planning application reflecting the agreed approach on Omega South.”
The planning application will also include a new access road for Omega South running from Omega Boulevard, through Zone 7, and across to Junction 8 of the M62. The early delivery of the link road will not only ensure all Zone 7 construction, and later business, traffic will bypass local roads direct to the M62, but also heavy vehicles from the Royal Mail depot and Lingley Mere.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, said: “We are very excited about the significant job opportunities that Zone 7 will bring over the next couple of years, pending a positive planning decision. A hugely important part of this, amongst other traffic solutions, will be the early delivery of the new internal access road which has been welcomed by local people as it will help to relieve traffic pressure on local roads.”
The council will undertake its own statutory public consultation and it is expect the planning committee will consider the application in the spring.
Omega plan will bring another 4,000 jobs
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
