Affordable apartment plans for Preston are given the green light

Preston Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to proposals from Community Gateway Association, for a two and three-storey block on land north of Dovedale Avenue in Ingol.

The homes are intended for people over 55 and will provide a level of care.

Paul Mooney, head of property investment at Community Gateway Association, addressed last week’s meeting to urge councillors to support the plans.

He said: “We are here to provide housing for people in need, especially extra care facilities.”

Vice chairman of the committee, Coun Javed Iqbal, said: “I think with the ageing population, it’s going to be much-needed.”

Councillors voted in favour of the plans, which had been recommended for approval by council officers.

A report said the development would result in the loss of an area of open space, but would not cause “unacceptable harm” to the area of major open space.

It said: “The proposed development would bring social and economic benefits and, whilst objections have been received which have been carefully considered and taken into consideration, there are no material considerations which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”