PLANNING | Preston student apartments approved

South Ribble Council is preparing to defend its rejection of a Wainhomes scheme in Whitestake in the High Court, a project which has proved significant after a planning inspector’s ruling overhauled how housing need was assessed across central Lancashire.

A consultation over the future of Preston city centre has opened, with the public urged to give feedback on proposals including 1,600 homes in Stoneygate as part of a 15-year regeneration plan. 

A joint venture between HBD and Barnfield Developments has submitted plans for its 18-acre development, known as East, off Junction 31A of the M6 in Preston.

Clearance work on the site of a proposed leisure scheme in Preston’s Harris Quarter, which is being brought forward by Maple Grove and Muse, has completed with a revised planning application expected in spring.

The Heaton Group’s conversion of an office block on Ormskirk Road into 130 apartments is due to complete before June 2021, the developer said as it released further images of Studio KMA’s designs for the project.

At a recent planning committee, of four proposals which could have delivered 320 homes to the market, only one was approved despite the council motioning for its deferral.

The second phase of the redevelopment of a former brickworks in Preston is expected to start on site this year, including 114,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space.

This year will see fresh services launched including a development map to complement news stories and branded content production for partners.