Scaled-back proposals for a new block of student flats near Preston’s university look set for approval.
AdvertisementPrevious plans for the Maudland Bank scheme were rejected by councillors and the planning inspector under appeal.
Now new plans from architects Carson and Sall for 142 new flats on the site for the Friargate Social Club have been recommended for the green light by planning officers.
60 letters of objection have been received outlining the density of the development and its scale is too great.
They also state the proposed building would block the view of St Walburge’s Church from the Adelphi roundabout.
Planning officers write: “A number of objections have been received and the comments made have been taken into account in the determination of the application. 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.
“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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The plans, lodged in June, are over four stories instead of seven and have 10 fewer bedrooms than the previously rejected plans.
A statement from Carson and Sall said: “The site, at present contains a vacant building which is attracting anti-social behaviour and crime. It also contains a privately operated car park which is enclosed in a very unattractive palisade fence 2m high which presents a defensive and low quality barrier to the site.
“The site, at present, detracts from the area and redevelopment will stimulate benefits: A more vibrant streetscene to Maudland Bank. A livelier frontage to the canal side which is to be redeveloped over the medium term into a green corridor by the University of Central Lancashire.
“In the short term this frontage will provide better natural surveillance to the existing playground which is underused.
“High quality, purpose built accommodation for students in the city. A range of measures to mitigate existing issues affecting local residents, such as parking and behaviour.
“The proposals comply with planning policy and will offer a net benefit to the city as a whole and to the more local area.”
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Councillors will hear the proposals on Thursday 6 September.
What do you think of the Maudland Bank proposals? Let us know in the comments below