Plans for the proposed Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILPN) near Newton-le-Willows include a strategic rail freight terminal capable of handling trains up to 775 metres long and up to 16 services a day. However, planning documents also highlight the significant road freight activity that would accompany the development.
The scheme, being promoted by Tritax, would provide up to 767,000 sq m of logistics and warehousing space, alongside rail infrastructure, container storage, HGV parking, fuelling and driver facilities.
The terminal would ultimately handle up to 16 trains per day, or 32 train movements, with the initial phase designed to accommodate at least four trains daily. The wider development would be built out progressively.
Despite its focus on shifting longer-distance freight from road to rail, modelling for the project assumes substantial HGV activity. The operational assessment uses 395 two-way HGV movements during the busiest daytime hour, between 13:00 and 14:00, across the warehouse units and rail terminal. The busiest night-time hour is modelled at 245 two-way movements.
These figures are modelling assumptions used to assess potential operational impacts rather than observed traffic levels.
HGVs serving the development would be directed towards the strategic road network, principally via M6 Junction 22 and the Parkside Link Road. The draft HGV management strategy would prohibit site-related HGVs from using the northern section of Winwick Lane between Parkside Link Road and the A572.
Compliance would be monitored using ANPR cameras, with a proposed £1,000 penalty for each routing breach. The charge would be applied to the relevant logistics park occupier and incorporated into lease agreements, rather than imposed directly on individual drivers. The final penalty level would be confirmed before operations begin.
ILPN is being promoted as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and has yet to receive development consent. A further consultation covering highways, noise and air quality is planned for early 2027, following the statutory consultation held in late 2025.