City Centre Apartment Block Approved in Conservation Zone

A six-story apartment building has received planning approval for construction within a city center conservation area in Preston, despite objections concerning its height. The development, located on Fox Street, will replace an existing empty shop. Officials from Preston City Council initially questioned the project’s appropriateness for the Winckley Square Conservation Area but ultimately concluded that its advantages outweighed any potential adverse effects on the historical site. Blackburn-based Marana Developments stated that the proposal aims to bridge the height difference on the street between the former St Wilfrid’s school building and the Premier Inn, thereby helping to reduce the “stark contrast” that existed at present. The firm also indicated that the apartments would obscure “the ugly blank elevation” of the neighboring hotel, which currently towered over the site, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The planned structure will comprise 19 residential units, alongside a new retail space on the ground floor. The plot is currently occupied by the now vacant Christian Resource Centre, which operated for more than four decades before its closure three years ago. A document prepared by Preston City Council planning officers indicated that the development is expected to “deliver social and economic benefits” by offering new housing in an “accessible location” within the city center, thereby aiming to “meet the needs of present and future generations”. Listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Details about our approach to external linking can be found.