The Eastway development would include a number of retailers and a gym

A major new retail complex could be built next to a piece of historic English Civil War land in Fulwood.

Cromwell’s Mound as it is known already has outline planning permission granted for a gym, shop and other retail units to be built.

Now Zermatt Land Limited has tabled full plans for a retail warehouse with more than 5,000 square metres of floor space and a health and fitness club.

The land opposite the Lancashire Evening Post offices and Broughton Printers in Oliver’s Place, off Eastway, is listed as a site of historic significance.

It is thought Cromwell stationed around 14,000 troops in the area ahead of the battle in August 1648. The mound is 37 metres long and 12 metres wide.

Part of Cromwell’s Mound Pic:fyldeantiquarian

The battle is said to be a turning point in the war and played a major part in Cromwell’s victory over the Royalists.

Outline planning permission was granted in April for the site.

Mound would be protected

Plans for the area state Cromwell’s Mound would not be built on.

Architects state: “There are no buildings of high significance historically or architecturally within the local area and no listed buildings to set a precedent in respect of the site’s design. Cromwell Mound is located to the north of the site and whilst it is of historical value it has no bearing on or presents any limitations to the potential built appearance of neighbouring sites.”

They go on to say: “The development of the application site for a mixed use provides an opportunity to secure a high quality scheme that will provide a positive impact on the area.

“The design approach will ensure that the development is of a high quality.”

Historic England and Lancashire County Council are both due to be consulted as part of the plans.

The full plans can be seen on the Preston City Council website.

Anyone wishing to comment can do so via the city council website or by emailing devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference 06/2015/0609 by Saturday 22 August.

Do you live in the area? What do you think of the plans? Let us know in the comments below