Plans lodged for more student apartments in Preston

An application has been submitted relating to the site of the former Canterbury Hall in Garstang Road, for a five-storey building of 190 apartments, along with a study area, gym and roof terrace.

Officers at Preston Council have recommended the plans for approval at tomorrow’s planning committee meeting, where a separate proposal for 218 student apartment off Moor Lane will also be discussed.

A report to councillors said objections had been received, including concerns over potential impacts on traffic levels, and that it would be too great a walk to some parts of campus.

It said County Coun Frank De Molfetta had also commented on the application, with points raised including increased congestion on the crossing, as well as the need for a new crossing to replace the traffic lights at the junction of Garstang Road and St George’s Road.

Architect David Cox, agent for the plans, said his team had been working at the site for many years to make it “work commercially”, and said: “We are hoping very much that Preston is in a position where it can support new development.”

The report said objections raised had been considered, and said the proposal on brownfield land was “acceptable in principle”.

It said: “It would provide student accommodation in a sustainable location half a mile from Preston city centre and close to existing facilities within the city centre and to existing bus services.

“It is considered that the proposed building would be of high quality design and achieve a high level of sustainability in terms of energy efficiency.”