This project involves the development of a new North West Processing Centre for Parcelforce, on a site in the Buckshaw Village area of Chorley.

We were appointed to provide traffic and transportation advice in relation to a due diligence exercise, Section 278 access design and the production of a Travel Plan.

The key challenges were securing planning permission for the proposals and advising on the access strategy for the site.

Whilst the site is undeveloped, existing highway infrastructure was in place in the form of access roads. However, these access points were not conducive with Royal Mail operations and extensive negotiations took place with Highways Officers at Lancashire County Council.

After initial resistance from the Local Authority, Curtins prepared a Supplementary Transport Statement which demonstrated the need for additional access points and a turning facility. The Highways Officer agreed with the findings of the report and the application received consent.

We also provided advice in relation all Section 278 matters and the facility officially opened in late 2013.