
You can have your say on ambitious plans to transform land in Heysham into a high quality commercial site.
A public consultation has been launched on the proposals for the land near Imperial Road.
The project is a partnership between Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council.
The 59-acre plot of land, part of the Heysham Gateway and linked to the A683, has long been mooted for development.
"The proposals comprise new high-quality commercial buildings and associated landscaping that is well separated from the existing residential areas and complements the existing industrial landscape and nature reserve," says the project website.
"The allocation is a vital component of the Heysham Gateway area which is one of the 11 anchor strategic sites identified as transformational for the Lancashire economy in the Growth Plan and has the potential to provide significant new jobs."
A screening opinion request - usually submitted ahead of a planning application - for "development to include industrial uses, storage and distribution and offices, research and development or light industrial uses, associated vehicular and pedestrian accesses, parking, landscaping and engineering works" recently went in to Lancaster City Council.
The location of the site, off Imperial Road, is around 2km south-east of Heysham, with Heysham Port and Power Station is to the east, and Middleton Waste Transfer Station to the south. Middleton Road forms the western boundary. The site is bound by the A683 and roundabout to the north.
Historically, the land was home to the Trimpell Oil Refinery (established in the 1930s), and there are four 35m diameter cylindrical tanks at the centre of the site that formerly stored aviation fuel for RAF Spitfires during World War Two.
Railway lines serving the site were removed by 1988 and buildings cleared by 2002.
The remainder of the site is largely covered with grass and vegetation and has been used for grazing horses.
A previous planning application, to build an industrial unit with associated offices, storage and distribution, and create new access and car parking, was approved but later withdrawn.
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the proposals at the website HERE.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn dormant land into a vibrant, employment-generating business location that supports the future prosperity of Heysham and the wider district," said Councillor Martin Bottoms, cabinet member with responsibility for economic growth and regeneration at Lancaster City Council.
"We want local people to help shape these plans, and I encourage everyone to visit the consultation page and share their views."
The deadline for responses is May 28 and feedback will be used to refine the proposals before formal planning applications are submitted.