Defeat is looming for a community group battling to save a patch of green space in Preston.
AdvertisementThe Friends of Fishwick and St Matthews had lobbied Community Gateway to halt a plan to build on Paul’s Place in St Matthews.
Paul’s Pad, officially known a Truro Place, is a patch of grass used as a recreation area by local residents.
Social housing company Community Gateway has a planning application lodged to create 16 two bedroom homes and two two-bedroomed bungalows on the site.
Now planning officers have recommended the Gateway scheme for approval.
A planning report to councillors says the scheme has received 87 objections from local residents, saying they will lose their only pocket of green space in a densely populated area.
The green space was created in 2002 when a number of flats were demolished on the site.
The Gateway plan creates affordable homes on the site, and is a smaller plan than one approved in March 2012 for 20 dwellings.
Planning officers write: “The proposed scheme would enhance the character and appearance of the area, making good use of a brownfield site with an extant permission for housing, and would improve crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.”
The Friends of Fishwick and St Matthews group had written to Gateway’s board requesting the area be passed over to them so they could apply to the Big Lottery fund to convert Paul’s Pad into a small park.
John Rochford, chairman of the Friends group, said: “Following a meeting with CGA chief Diane Bellinger, FOFS are working through options for the site with Preston Council and Community Gateway Association.
“We understand the amended planning application is likely to be approved, and while we disagree with building on this land, we are pleased to be in dialogue with CGA and still hope to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs.”
Councillors on the planning committee will make a decision on Monday 2 June at the Town Hall from 10am.
The full plans for the site can be seen on the city council website.
Do you live in the area? What do you think about the development? Let us know in the comments below