AN office block and hotel which would be one of Preston's tallest buildings looks set to be given the go-ahead.
Plans for a 150-bedroom hotel, 13-storey office block, and a basement car park on the Staples site off Corporation Street have been recommended for approval by city council planners.
Planners say the multi-million pound scheme should boost regeneration in an area the council wants to develop as a business district.
A new report by planning chiefs says: "This scheme should be seen as delivering key regeneration benefits in terms of providing quality new office and hotel accommodation.
"A landmark building is required for this site to help define this important junction."
Previous proposals for a 192-bedroom, four-star hotel on the site were withdrawn after the council voiced concerns about the road layout along Corporation Street, which have now been addressed.
Roger Parker, from Parker and Company, agents for applicants the McAleer and Rushe Group, said the number of hotel rooms had been reduced but the height of the office buildings remained the same.
County planners had raised concerns about the design of the buildings, saying the scheme did not blend in with more historic buildings nearby and would "tower over" the Corn Exchange.
But city council planners say the development, which includes conference facilities, will improve the look of the area.
The scheme will be discussed by Preston Council's planning committee on December 1.
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