Cottam Hall decision put on hold
Preston City Council's planning members were due to discuss plans for an £80m regeneration project on the site of the former Cottam Hall brickworks at the end of November but have put discussions on hold.
The application by Cottam Hall Properties was due to be discussed on Monday this week. Officers are yet to submit their report to recommend approval or refusal and are still to iron out issues over ecology at the brownfield site with the developers.
The derelict 28 acres comprise one of Preston's largest strategic sites. If built, the project will deliver a Tesco store of 47,000 sq ft, 155 apartments overlooking the Marina, 17 three-storey townhouses, and 20 two-storey family homes. There will also be a business park of 45,060 sq ft and ancillary restaurants and shops.
When contacted by Place, a spokeswoman from Preston City Council's planning department said "nothing was discussed" at the meeting held on Monday morning and, although it could not be confirmed, the plans "could be discussed at the next meeting in January".
Cottam Hall Properties is a joint venture between John Clarke, managing director of John Turner & Sons, and Ian Rankin, former chairman of John Turner. The JV has owned the site for 12 years.
John Turner & Sons, which employs 250 people in Preston and Manchester, will deliver the project as the main contractor. Eckersley is letting agent on Cottam Hall.
Cottam Hall Properties were not immediately available for comment when contacted by Place.
The next meeting of Preston City Council's planning members will be held on Monday 11 January 2010.