A new site is needed near Clitheroe to transport construction workers and organise heavy goods vehicles travelling to the Forest of Bowland for the Haweswater Aqueduct water tunnel scheme.

Water firm United Utilities had hoped to use a site owned by Ribblesdale Cement owner Heidelberg Industries for a Haweswater workers’ park-and-ride site and heavy goods vehicle marshalling area.

But now, Heidelberg says the site will not be available for the required timeframe. So a location near Pimlico Link Road is being looked at.

A new planning application could follow, Ribble Valley councillors are being told.

Borough planners will get an update on the scheme, officially Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP), on Thursday.

It will include information about how businesses can claim for any loss of profits during the Bowland work.

Some borough and county councillors such as Kevin Horkin and Ged Mirfin have called for the council to produce an economic impact assessment of the HARP scheme, fearing hospitality venues could be impacted by the work.

United Utilities wants to build a new replacement water tunnel from Haweswater in the Lake District to Greater Manchester.

However, the upgrade plan has sparked some controversy and questions including its impact on rural businesses, disruption to communities, roads, traffic, farming and environmental implications.

United Utilities has formally tendered for a contractor, to be awarded next spring. Road improvements, enabling works, haulage road and river crossings and site access works are expected in late 2025. 

Then the main compound set-up and construction work is expected in 2026. However, the estimated programme may change when a contractor has been appointed.

Plans to use the Ribblesdale Cement staff car park, west of West Bradford Road, would have seen minibuses taking workers to Marl Hill and Newton-in-Bowland construction compounds, reducing traffic through Waddington.

Now an alternative temporary site is being looked at west of Pimlico Link Road.

The council report adds: “United Utilities has an established process for claiming loss of profits

"It has committed to establishing a local authority partnership forum for the duration of the project, secured through the legal agreement, and would appoint a dedicated community liaison officer who would have a visible presence.

"Through the community forum and liaison officer this enables events to be planned pro-actively, ensuring potential adverse impacts are mitigated wherever possible

“The planning committee should be advised the local authority partnership has been formed and meetings have commenced. These will become more regular as construction works commence.”