Work on the first phase of a massive new industrial development is set to start after detailed plans were published.

In June 2021, developers Harworth Group plc secured planning approval for the development of up to 1.1m sq/ft of logistics and manufacturing space at its site in Wingates, Westhoughton.

They say the development has the potential to create up to 1,500 new jobs.

The site at Wingates is close to junction 6 of the M61 and to Harworth’s existing Logistics North site, the North West’s largest live commercial development.

The developers have in the past week submitted detailed plans of "phase one" of the plans to the council.

Harworth plan to create a new access road, a roundabout, drainage and utilities infrastructure ahead of developing the industrial and warehousing space.

The phase one plans do not include any part of the site which which will form a plot for development of employment premises such as buildings, yards and car parks.

A cover letter with the plans said: “The roads proposed provide connection to the approved site access road to the north of the site and a junction in the form of a roundabout to limbs to the west, east and south serving plots 1, 2, 5, and 4 and 7 respectively.”

The plans also include plans for public footpaths across the site.

At the north east part of the site, the proposed path provides connection to Chorley Road while at the south east of the site, the path diverges to provide a new connection into the Wingates Industrial Estate, and the existing public footpath network west of Carlies Farm.

A short section of path is also proposed set back from the proposed infrastructure for a route into the employment development which will be extended as further phases of development come forward.

Harworth said it is intended that each of these paths will become public rights of way upon completion of the development.

Harworth told the planning inspectorate that the development when completed would benefit the local economy by up to £126m per year.

Speaking after the outline planning was approved, Lynda Shillaw, chief executive of Harworth, said: “Securing planning for our Wingates development marks a significant milestone for us and will have a substantial positive effect on the local economy in terms of construction, permanent jobs and investment.

“It will allow Bolton businesses to expand, while at the same time improving highways infrastructure and protecting local biodiversity and green spaces.

“Harworth has a proven track record of delivering large scale employment space, for example at our nearby Logistics North site, and we look forward to replicating this success.”

Council planners will decide on the plans for phase one of the project in the coming weeks.