A new 20-storey block of flats could soon join the Preston skyline.

Eastern Estates applied for permission to demolish former warehouses in Church Row in Preston city centre.

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The buildings, just yards from the back of the Guild Hall complex, have fallen into disrepair.

Plans from 1618 Architects show how the new block of flats would have a sloped roof and distinctive design.

A new retail unit would be contained within the ground floor.

Previous proposals to build an eight-storey apartment building and six ground floor retail units were rejected in September 2007.

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And a previous scheme from Eastern Estates was submitted in 2017 for a ten storey block of flats with shops below it but these plans were not taken forward to planning committee.

Now the amended plans are due to be decided by Preston City Council’s chief executive Adrian Phillips using emergency powers as the city’s planning committee is not currently sitting due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.

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They write: “The principle of a residential and commercial mixed use scheme within the city centre is acceptable and, following amendments to the scheme, would not result in any unacceptable impacts upon traffic and
highway safety, residential amenity, visual amenity, ecology or waste storage.

“No harm has been identified to the setting of surrounding designated heritage assets. The ground conditions, noise and flood risk conditions of the site, as a result of the proposed development, can be managed by conditions. The proposed building would be energy efficient with the imposition of a condition. There are no adverse impacts of granting planning permission for the proposed development that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

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The chief executive is due to decide whether the plans can go ahead during Thursday 7 May.

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What do you think of the proposed tower block for Church Row? Let us know your views in the comments below