Updated plans for Pioneer Tec School at Preston Docks

A side view of the five-storey Pioneer Building Pic: MCK Commercial Design

New plans have been submitted for the already approved education centre on the banks of the River Ribble, as part of the Phoenix Park masterplan.

Owner of Trax Motor Sport and applicant, Eddie Sloane, seeks to amend the approved four-storey building, to facilitate the provision of secure accommodation for young people within the Pioneer TEC residential school.

Preston City Council, gave the green light for the original plans in Ashton-on-Ribble to go ahead in 2021, which includes a student accommodation; leisure facility; retail cafe; new sports pitches, and car parking and compound on site.

A submission letter, prepared by agents De Pol Associates states why variation of condition one of planning permission is necessary for the development:

The Pioneer Education Centre will act as a visitor centre for the Phoenix Park leisure site and provide a space for young people to learn Pic: MCK Design Associates

“The application seeks to amend the proposals to allow for children who require increased security to stay at the Pioneer TEC residential school and engage in the education and training provided on the site.

“The security of young people on the site is paramount to the enhanced arrangements proposed as part of this variation are designed to provide a safe and secure space for young people.”

The changes proposed are ‘minimial’ but they would include a new secure entrance to the southern elevation of the building for vehicles to enter, with direct access to the building.

To the north of the secure entrance area would be a secure activity area. This area will be in addition to the approved multi-use games area which will continue to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation including a go-kart track.

The activity area will provide a secure outdoor space for use by residents providing an outdoor secure space for young people to utilise and will be accessed via a secure transfer area.

The areas will be surrounded by a five metre high security wall.

Continuing on in the submission letter, the agents said: “The minor alteration proposed by this application does not conflict with any of these specific requirements.”