Preston City Council’s planners have delivered a damning verdict on the first phase of a tram network for the city.
AdvertisementA proposal from Tranpower Limited had proposed a short section of the former Deepdale railway line be re-opened.
It would also create a tram stop on Deepdale Street replacing the former Coal Yard on the same street.
A statement from the city council’s planning officers reads: “The principle of the proposed tramway at the application would not conflict with the land-use policies for the site within the adopted Preston Local Plan.
“However, the applicant has failed to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposal would not have any unacceptable adverse impacts upon the strategic and local highway network and upon the safety of pedestrians and passengers.
“In addition, insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have any adverse impacts upon biodiversity and habitats, with particular reference to great crested newts and slow worm populations.
“Therefore the proposed development would conflict with national and local planning policies and is unacceptable.”
The Trampower proposals have been recommended for refusal at the next city council planning committee on Monday 3 November.
View the location of the proposed tram area for Deepdale below, if you’re on our app follow the Google Maps link.
Proposals had outlined how trams would eventually run every six minutes from the city centre out to the now defunct Bluebell Way park and ride.
The Deepdale Street plans were the first move from Trampower since early 2013 when Lancashire County Council refused to adopt any involvement of trams in its Fishergate Central scheme.
You can read the full report to the planning committee on the city council website.
What do you think of the proposal? Would you support trams in Preston? Let us know in the comments below