The Royal Cross School pictured in 1902

The site of a former Victorian institute for the deaf could become new housing if plans are approved.

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The Royal Cross site on Brockholes Brow, Fishwick, has seen a proposal lodged to build on the site.

Formerly owned by Lancashire County Council, local businessman Steve Jackson – founder of Recycling Lives –  has commissioned architects Stephen Fish to draw up a masterplan for the site.

Fourteen houses could be accommodated and changes will be made to the access road.

Lancashire Police say the secluded nature of the site has made it a target for crime.

Rachel Hines, architectural liasion officer, writer in a letter to council planning officers that “there have been reported crimes including burglary, vehicle crime and theft.

“This site has historically experienced problems with vehicle crime on the centre car park.

“The site is secluded and afforded limited nature surveillance opportunities from neighbouring dwellings, commercial businesses, passing pedestrians or vehicles.”

Police want to see lighting on the development, alarms fitted to each house and railings added to the top of walls.

Royal Cross was founded in 1894 by Mary Cross, a Victorian benefactor.

The school for the deaf was operating on the site until its closure in 1990. It was demolished in 2011.

The bulldozers moved in during 2011

You can view the full plans for the site on the council website.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans should do so on the council website or email devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference 06/2014/0028 by Friday 14 February.

The proposals for the site will be discussed at a forthcoming Preston City Council planning committee. 

Pictures from the Preston Digital Archive and UK Urbex forum