Taylor Wimpey to build 650 homes in Preston

Manchester-based HOW Planning has secured planning approval on behalf of Taylor Wimpey for the redevelopment of the former Whittingham Hospital in Preston.

The reserved matters application was unanimously approved by Preston City Council and a further decision by delegated consent is expected for a change of use and listed building consent application for the redevelopment of St John's Church.

Both applications were submitted following an extensive pre-application consultation exercise undertaken with local interest groups and the local community. The approval paves the way for a development of up to 650 dwellings, including 72 designated affordable homes, up to 96,000 sq ft of office and light industrial use, a primary school and a community uses including sports and recreational uses as well as new means of access, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure. The former St John's Church will be converted to a community facility.

Taylor Wimpey was appointed by English Partnerships, now the HCA, in 2007 to redevelop the derelict hospital site near Goosnargh and Cumeragh but has revised the development several times as the market changed.

Carol Clarke, associate at HOW Planning, said: "This is an excellent scheme which will transform what is currently a vacant, unusable site into a very attractive new development. It will create many opportunities for the local community, the rural areas and wider borough of Preston and will act as a catalyst for the investment to the area."

Gareth Owen, regional land director for Taylor Wimpey North West, adds: "We have been working closely with the HCA and all our advisers for a long time to ensure this development meets all expectations and ambitions for the area. This announcement enables us to progress with the scheme and ensure this major regeneration programme becomes a reality."

Taylor Wimpey said it is committed to bringing this scheme forward now planning permission has been granted.

Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West at the HCA, said: "It is great news that the Whittingham Hospital scheme has been given the green light. I'm now looking forward to seeing work start on this important scheme that will bring new homes, improved community facilities, transport links, and open spaces to the area."

The team involved with the Whittingham scheme include project managers Tec Projex; architects MPSL Planning & Design and MCK Associates; environmental consultants TEP; and engineers Lees Roxburgh.

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