The initial go-ahead on a major new block of student flats close to St Walburge’s Church has been granted.

An empty social club and the associated land would be built on to create the home for 152 students.

Preston City Council’s planning committee – which meets on Thursday 15 June – is set to give approval for the scheme.

Outline planning permission is being sought for the development at the junction of Maudland Road and Pedder Street.

David Cox Architects have tabled the proposals for the New Friargate Social Club site.

Objections have been received from nearby residents that the flats – at seven storeys high – would be ‘inappropriate, overbearing and not in keeping with the surrounding context’.

It’s also stated the proposed building would block the view of St Walburge’s Church from the Adelphi roundabout.

Read more: Adelphi Square plans go on display

Planning officers state in their conclusion recommending approval: “The proposed development would result in  the re-use of the site of a vacant building in a sustainable location in close proximity to the City Centre and the services and facilities therein.

“The proposed building would be of a high quality design and would make a positive contribution to the street scene. There would be no unacceptable detrimental impacts on residential amenity, highway safety, heritage assets or safety and security and the proposal would be acceptable in relation to sustainability and waste management.”

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