How the new dental surgery and shops may look

A community campaign group in Fishwick has signalled it will object to proposals to convert a former pub into a convenience store and dental surgery.

Friends of Fishwick and St Mathews have taken issue with the Belle Vue plans in New Hall Lane.

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The empty pub has plans lodged by PWA Planning but a number of issues have riled the Friends group, who say the building is a ‘community asset’.

In a letter to Preston City Council planners the Friends group say: “We felt it was distasteful, unnecessary, unprofessional and highly unethical to badge as ‘community engagement’ a presentation of the only plans that were going to be submitted, regardless of the feedback received from FOFS.

“This was done in the full knowledge that no amendments were going to be made to those plans, not least because the internal and external work on the building was nearly completed at the time when the ‘plans’ were presented to FOFS. We feel this makes a mockery of the concept of ‘community engagement’.”

Their main concern is regarding the convenience store potentially being licensed to sell alcohol, they say to off licences already operate in close proximity to the Belle Vue.

The bordered up Belle Vue in New Hall Lane Pic: Tony Worrall

A statement says: “The Belle Vue pub was and continues to be required as a community venue. The reason for its closure is related to business management issues rather than the fact it was not wanted or needed by the community.

“FOFS would like the Belle Vue to continue to be a part of the community. We feel that a convenience store – which is not licenced to sell alcohol would go some way towards this.”

Read more: Indian restaurant planned for New Hall Lane

PWA Planning say in their planning documents: It has been demonstrated that the proposed development of neighbourhood convenience store and dental surgery at The Belle Vue represents an entirely appropriate form of development within the periphery of the New Hall Lane local centre and should be welcomed and supported.

“The works would result in the re-use of a vacant site and secures long-term, active uses which will significantly contribute to the local economy whilst enhancing local health and wellbeing.”

Eight full-time jobs would be created if the development were to go ahead.

What do you think about the Belle Vue plans? Let us know in the comments below