Built in 1962 to replace the old town hall, the much-maligned Crystal House, before its recent makeover, was long dubbed a blot on the urban landscape it shares with the listed Harris Museum and Miller Arcade.

While planning officers can't undo mistakes from the past, they can act to preserve the best buildings from bygone eras – and stop more eyesores taking root beside our landmark buildings.

That's the idea behind a new plan to extend a city centre conservation zone, which already takes in the Harris Museum, Town Hall, Sessions House and Cenotaph.

Conservation zones make it more difficult for developers to push through plans for new buildings which would be out of keeping with the look of historic areas.

Coun Hudson says: "In retrospect, we would not have had those buildings (like Crystal House) but we have got them.

"What we want to ensure it does not happen again.

"Conservation zones mean people have got to give some thought to any development they envisage. And it gives us as a council more control over the type of development that is going to go up.

"Whatever development takes place in that area, it's got to be sympathetic to the rich heritage of the city of Preston.

"Without being controversial, we don't want another Crystal House."

Currently, the Market Square conservation zone's boundaries stretch from the indoor market in the north, Lancaster Road in the east, to Fishergate and Church Street in the south and on the west by part of Friargate.

Planning chiefs believe that should be extended to include both sides of Friargate and Cheapside, where some buildings date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The public will soon be asked what buildings and features they think should receive greater protection. Questionnaires will drop through letterboxes and go online at the city council's website.

It's been more than a decade since residents were last allowed to have their say on planning laws for the area so people are being urged to grasp the chance to comment.

After all, it could help define our city centre landscape for years to come.

>> 'Damaging' buildings in Preston

>> Conservation area worth preserving

See our special picture spread on this feature in Monday's Lancashire Evening Post

>> Vote on Preston's most unsightly building or area