A major new building of nearly 200 student flats looks set for approval near Preston’s university campus.

Towering next door to The Unicorn and Moorbrook pubs in North Road/Garstang Road the former Cantebury Hall site is to come back into use.

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Land near the former B&Q building has been empty since 2007 when a church hall was demolished.

Sunglen Properties wants to build the new student halls over five stories.

Canterbury Hall would have a gym, roof terrace and a small amount of car parking.

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Objections have been received from two nearby properties which say the flats would cause more traffic at the busy North Road/St George’s Road junction.

County councillor Frank De Molfetta has commented on the application raising concerns about the number of people using the pedestrian crossings in the area.

He also calls for the traffic lights at Garstang Road/St George’s Road to be upgraded.

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Preston City Council’s planning department have recommended the plans for approval, ahead of a decision by councillors.

Planning officers write: “Objections have been received and the issues raised have been taken into consideration. The proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle. The proposal would be sited on a previously developed brownfield site located within the Existing Residential Area.

“It would provide student accommodation in a sustainable location half a mile from Preston City Centre and close to existing facilities within the City Centre and to existing bus services.

“It is considered that the proposed building would be of high quality design and achieve a high level of sustainability in terms of energy efficiency. The proposal is also considered acceptable in terms of impact upon neighbouring residential amenity, noise, land quality, drainage, safety and security, and highway safety subject to conditions. It is considered the impact upon the setting of neighbouring listed buildings would be acceptable.”

Councillors meet on Thursday 9 February from 1.30pm at the Town Hall to consider the plans.

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