Tony Worrall snapped the demolished cottages

Former weavers cottages on New Cock Yard have been demolished due to safety concerns.

Preston Council’s planning department gave emergency permission to developer Ged Connor to knock it down after the floors within the building collapsed.

Mr Connor had applied for permission to develop the cottages into new homes and the council was in the process of making a decision.

The cottages sat within the Winckley Square Conservation Area so council consent was needed before the buildings, which were gutted by a fire in 2008, could be demolished.

Councillor John Swindells, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Mr Connor contacted the council advising that the floors within the building had collapsed. Council procedure requires a Building Control officer to inspect the site and advise on public safety matters.

“In conjunction with the planning and conservation officers, it was decided that demolishing the building to ground floor was the safest course of action and would not affect the pending planning application for the site. Public safety is a priority and the council was happy to help Mr Connor in these circumstances.”

Preston council said the area is currently fenced off for safety and security.