A former bookies in suburban Preston is to be converted and extended – creating both new retail and residential space.

The ground floor of the two-storey building, -at the junction of Watling Street Road and Langcliffe Road in Brookfield – had previously been eyed for redevelopment as a microbar and cafe.

However, that plan was rejected by Preston City Council exactly 12 months ago after it was deemed potentially disturbing to nearby households – including residents of the flat above the currently empty shop unit, which was occupied by Betfred until just under three years ago.

Now the same applicant, Preston-based Sapphire Properties Limited, has been given the green light for a revised plan that will see the existing shop converted to general “retail” use, while a two-storey extension will also be added – delivering a second store and two new apartments above it.

The former bookies on Watling Street Road, which will not be reopening as a microbar after concerns were raised about the noise it could generate | Google

placeholder image — The former bookies on Watling Street Road, which will not be reopening as a microbar after concerns were raised about the noise it could generate | Google

The nature of the new shops has not been – and does not have to be – specified as part of the planning application process, but the city council concluded that the shift to general retail units meant that the proposal would not generate “harmful” levels of noise and disturbance in the way that a drinking establishment would likely have done.

No public objections were received to the proposal and town hall planning officers considered that it would not have “any unacceptable impact” on current or future residents, nor on highway safety.

Three new parking spaces will be created to the front of the extended premises and parking is also available on Langcliffe Road, in front of an established row of shops