The City Council’s planning committee will meet on November 30th 2009 to decide whether the Cottam Hall Brickworks development will go ahead.

The development, tabled by Tesco and Cottam Hall Properties Ltd, would see the building of a Tesco store, the creation of a marina, business space and housing developments.

Estimates for the development value it at £80 million. The proposed 13.8 hectare site includes the former Cottam Brickworks.

Ian Rankin, chairman of Cottam Hall Properties, the developer behind the project added:

If planning permission is granted in November, we can be on the ground in January starting to prepare the site for this project that will bring much needed employment particularly given the current economic climate.

It’s also a positive step forward for Preston, especially after doubts have been raised regarding Tithebarn which I hope will go ahead. While not to be compared to Tithebarn , the Cottam scheme is substantial; it is ‘real’ and it is ready to start. We just need that vital green light at the November’s planning meeting.

We have taken a long time in making sure this development is thoroughly thought out and has the support of all the stakeholders including Lancashire County Council and the Homes & Communities Agency. All partners are very encouraged about the sustainability of the site and the positive impact it will have surrounding neighbourhoods.

You can see comments from local residents about the development on the Ashton-on-Ribble website.

View the full planning application for the development.

View images of the old Cottam Hall Brickworks site.