The ruling cabinet of Preston Council is expected to pass plans next week to strengthen its control over what can be built in conservation areas such as the Deepdale Enclosure and the former Harris orphanage site.

It is hoped the changes will see these areas extended to take in larger chunks of the city.

Council leader Ken Hudson said the changes were part of the cabinet's "drive to preserve the architectural heritage" of all parts of the city.

He said: "It is very important that as the newest city in the country we not only regenerate where we can but retain the rich heritage we have which goes back to 1179.

"These changes will improve our ability to take a strong stance on planning matters especially in these conservation areas."

The cabinet will meet next Wednesday to vote on the matter.
But Linda Barton, of Preston Historical Society, said she feared plans to regenerate historic areas such as Winckley Square, the Flag Market and other city centre sites could see some architectural gems lost.

She said: "We are not against redevelopment in the right place and time, but we fear this is what happened in the 1960s and '80s all over again. Back then the east side of Winckley Square was destroyed. It would be criminal to allow that to happen again."