Blackburn billionaire Zuber Issa's EG on the Move company has submitted plans to develop a new shopping complex on a 1.3-acre grassland site off Haslingden Road, near the M65 motorway. The proposed development aims to serve the nearby Royal Blackburn Hospital, whose staff are considered key potential customers.
Planning Application Details
EG on the Move has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission for a commercial development comprising an 11,000-square-foot retail building. This will include a 4,500-square-foot food retail convenience store and five smaller speculative retail units. The plans also feature a new access road from Haslingden Road, customer parking, and a delivery area.
Strategic Location
A supporting statement highlights the site's strategic position on the A6077, approximately half a mile from Junction 5 of the M65. To the north lies the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, while the existing Shadsworth Industrial Estate is to the east. The site is currently a vacant greenfield infill plot.
The proposal describes a small-scale retail development supported by surrounding residential areas, the hospital, and wider industrial zones. The convenience store is intended to act as an anchor, drawing footfall from residents and hospital visitors to support the smaller retail units, which would be ideal for local start-up businesses.
Design and Community Benefits
The building will be set back from Haslingden Road and positioned centrally, allowing for a new vehicular access and a visitor car park with 50 spaces. A new three-metre-wide footpath and cycleway along the western edge will connect Whinney Heights to the development and Haslingden Road, benefiting the local community.
The development will initially be constructed to shell standard, with internal layouts and fit-outs determined by specific tenants. Office, storage, and staff facilities will be at the rear, while display and retail functions will occupy the front, utilising a glazed elevation.
Mitigation of Impacts
Careful consideration has been given to the neighbouring Whinney Heights residential area and Queens Lodge nursing home. Landscaping treatments and acoustic boundaries will mitigate any impact. The building's primary elevation will be mostly glazed, creating contemporary and inviting shop front displays.
A new priority right-turn lane on Haslingden Road is proposed alongside the new vehicular access point. The retail function is expected to provide positive amenities for local residents, commuters, employees in surrounding employment areas, and the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Last week, EG on the Move acquired independent petrol forecourt operator MPK Garages.
