Affordable housing development planned for former social club in Preston

A development made up entirely of affordable homes has been proposed for the site of the former St. Joseph’s social club in Preston.

If approved, the 44 properties planned for the site on Cemetery Road in the city would be operated by Chorley Community Housing (CCH), the social landlord which controls the neighbouring borough’s former council house stock.

The proposed estate would comprise seven two-bedroomed bungalows, 31 two-bedroomed houses and six three-bedroomed houses. All would be offered at rents of no higher than 80 percent of the current market rate for the area.

Planning documents submitted to Preston City Council reveal that each property will be supplied with its own cycle storage in an attempt to make the estate sustainable for transport purposes. Private gardens will also be provided for every residence.

The development would be funded directly by CCH and grants from the government-backed Homes and Communities Agency.

The properties would make what is described as a “modest, yet important” contribution to Preston’s affordable housing needs. The city was last year estimated to be almost 240 homes short of its target for the discounted dwellings.

The former St. Joseph’s social club - also known as the Catholic Men’s Club - was demolished after closing down almost exactly a decade ago due to lack of trade.

A supporting statement accompanying the planning application says that the proposed development “performs a positive economic, social and environmental role and [ensures] sustainable development”.