Plan for former Baffito's site in Preston gets go-ahead

The former Baffito's Restaurant and Bar, Navigation Way, now lies empty and fire-damaged.

Preston City Council's planning committee approved an application by Glenholme Wrightcare to build a two and three storey 64-bedroom care home and 16 supported living apartments for adults with learning disabilities in a three storey building.

The care home is designed for residents with dementia.

A report to the committee said the building was fire damaged on December 1 2020 and was no longer safe to enter. T

It said the proposal would be a good use of the site and added: "The proposed development would create 77 new full time jobs, which represents an increase of approximately 55-60 new jobs above the former restaurant and bar use."

It recommended the application should be approved, with conditions.

A spokesman for the applicants told the meeting that the purchase of the land was subject to planning permission, and if it was granted demolition could proceed as swiflty as possible.

It was hoped work could start by the middle of the year.

Coun David Borrow said it was a very suitable use of the site.

Coun Harry Landless said it was an "excellent" scheme.

The plan was unanimously approved.