First stage approval for Preston flats plan

The Lancashire Post revealed in November the plans to transform sections of the Preston Office Centre into high-rise flats.

Documents submitted to the town hall said 108 apartments would be split between Elizabeth and Red Rose Houses.

The initial submission from developers Trillium Property sought confirmation that a change of use request for the move from officers to flats was not required.

The town hall has this week given its approval to this request - paving the way for a full planning application.

A decision report reads: “The information submitted with the application is satisfactory to enable the local planning authority to grant prior approval subject to conditions.”

A document pack submitted by the developer says the building is “highly suited” to residential conversion.

It reads: “It can provide one and two-bedroomed apartments of the type, size and quality that are needed in Preston, to appeal to the young professional and post-graduate target market.”