Harworth gains approval for major industrial scheme in north west

On the 28th of November, Bolton Council’s planning committee has today resolved to grant planning permission for Harworth’s Logistics North development which will provide 4 million sq ft of distribution and manufacturing space and a new country park on a 250-acre site at junction 4 of the M61 near Bolton. Infrastructure works are expected to commence in spring 2014.

However, because of its size and impact on the region, the development needs to be ratified by two neighbouring councils, Salford City Council and Wigan Council, before it receives full planning consent. These two councils are expected to give their decision in early December.

Harworth has already agreed to sell the first site to Aldi, the supermarket group, for its new 450,000 sq ft regional distribution hub. Harworth will also create a new country park for the benefit of local people on 600 acres of surrounding land.

Owen Michaelson, Chief Executive of Harworth Estates, says: “We are delighted to have received the support of Bolton Council for our scheme that will make a significant contribution to the North West’s economy. We are fully committed to creating a first-class industrial and logistics centre that is likely to provide several thousand jobs in accordance with local planning policy.”

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “This is a site of huge importance for Bolton and the wider region, and I’m pleased that planning committee has backed the plans. There will be thousands of jobs created for our residents and the whole site will bring a huge boost to Bolton for years to come.”

Logistics North, which is located at the former Cutacre opencast coal mine site, will comprise 4 million sq ft of bespoke buildings, ranging in size from 161,000 sq ft to 1 million sq ft. The scheme’s agents are Jones Lang LaSalle and DTZ.