DLP Planning was appointed to produce a masterplan for the Phase 1 Enterprise Zone at Warton Aerodrome, Lancashire. The masterplan is a requirement of the adopted Lancashire Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Enterprise Zone Local Development Order (LDO). The masterplan provides a framework for new development and the re-use of existing buildings along with associated infrastructure provision with the intention of creating a world-leading cluster of advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses and associated industries. The masterplan includes a phased programme for the release of surplus land and buildings and the delivery of refurbished accommodation and new development on a non-operational part of BAE Systems’ Warton Aerodrome.

DLP provided core masterplanning, landscape, and planning services for the production of a masterplan and accompanying masterplan report for the site. This involved the management of the masterplan process and a broad-based consultancy team to assist in the delivery of the masterplan. DLP Planning acted as lead consultant, charged with managing a consultancy team including transport engineers, drainage engineers, ecologists, and land agents. Masterplanning services were provided, including the production of spatial context plans, surplus land plans, constraints plans, a development framework, and phasing plans. This culminated in the production of a masterplan report that was presented to Fylde Council, the Lancashire Economic Partnership (LEP), and Lancashire County Council, before its adoption by Fylde Council.

DLP Planning also provided advice to BAE Systems on the drafting of the LDO, including liaison with Fylde Council to ensure that the LDO contained provisions to facilitate the delivery of the Enterprise Zone whilst safeguarding BAE Systems’ operations at the remaining operational parts of Warton Aerodrome.

Key challenges with this project included producing a masterplan that did not compromise the operational requirements of the Aerodrome and the security measures around the Aerodrome, whilst still providing the flexibility needed for the phased release and development of non-operational land within the Enterprise Zone.

DLP Planning has been retained to advise on a revision and update to the masterplan and to advise on the process of extending the timescales of the LDO in full consultation with Fylde Council.