The proposed Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILPN), east of Newton-le-Willows, would combine a strategic rail freight terminal with up to 767,000 sq m of logistics and warehousing space.
The terminal is being designed to handle up to 16 trains per day, equivalent to 32 train movements, with sidings capable of accommodating trains up to 775 metres long. The scheme would initially be able to receive at least four trains per day before capacity increases as the development is built out.
However, planning documents show that the site would also become a significant generator of HGV traffic.
Almost 400 HGV movements during busiest daytime hour
An operational assessment prepared for the project uses a peak daytime flow of 395 two-way HGV movements between 13:00 and 14:00 across the warehouse units and rail terminal. For the busiest night-time hour, between 06:00 and 07:00, the assessment assumes 245 two-way HGV movements.
The figures are modelling assumptions used to assess the potential operational effects of the development rather than observed traffic levels or final traffic forecasts. The scale reflects the nature of a strategic rail freight interchange, where rail is intended to carry longer-distance freight while road transport continues to handle collection, distribution and final delivery. Tritax says the project is intended to encourage more long-distance freight to move from road to rail.
HGVs would be directed towards the M6
Hauliers serving the site could face strict routing requirements. Under the project’s draft HGV management strategy, traffic would be directed towards the strategic road network, principally via M6 Junction 22 and the Parkside Link Road. HGVs travelling to or from the development would be prohibited from using the northern section of Winwick Lane between the Parkside Link Road roundabout and the A572.
The developer proposes installing ANPR cameras at the site to identify vehicles associated with ILPN that use the restricted route. The restrictions would apply through agreements with companies occupying units at the logistics park rather than through direct enforcement against every HGV using surrounding roads.
£1,000 penalty proposed for routing breaches
The draft strategy proposes a £1,000 financial penalty for each breach of the agreed HGV routing rules. The charge would be issued to the relevant occupier and incorporated into the legal lease agreements signed by companies operating from the development. The document states that the final level of the penalty will be confirmed before the site becomes operational. Vehicle registration, company details, time, date, location and available camera footage would be used as evidence when investigating breaches.
This means logistics companies based at the site could, in turn, need to ensure that their own fleets and contracted hauliers comply with the prescribed routes. The development would also include HGV parking, fuelling and driver facilities, alongside container storage and equipment for transferring freight between road and rail.
Further highways consultation planned
The project has not yet received development consent. Because it is being promoted as a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, it is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, with the final decision ultimately taken through the national development-consent process.
A statutory consultation held between October and December 2025 has closed. Tritax says it is reviewing the responses and carrying out additional survey work before a further consultation focused specifically on highways, noise and air quality, which is currently planned for early 2027.
