Fresh HMO plan for Preston building where 31 bedsits were rejected
Scaled-down plans have been revealed to convert a former religious retreat house in suburban Preston into a bedsit-style development.
The former Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre building on Sharoe Green Lane in Fulwood was previously eyed up as a 31-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).
However, that proposal was rejected by Preston City Council’s planning committee in December 2024, because of the impact the change would have had on neighbours.
A planning inspector last year dismissed an appeal against that decision after concluding that the “comings and goings” associated with such a large HMO would far exceed those of the surrounding residential properties.
In the wake of that ruling, the boss of the firm behind the previous blueprint - Preston-based Sapphire Property Investments Ltd - said he was “in negotiations” over turning the building into a mosque. That move would not have required planning permission, because the property was already approved for religious use.
However, Mick Patel’s company has now applied to the city authority for approval to convert part of the premises into an HMO - but this time with just five bedrooms.
Documents submitted to town hall planners state that the switch will require “minimal” internal modifications and no external alterations.
They add that a a so-called “planning fallback” position - in the event permission is refused - would enable the site to once again function to the “level of activity” generated by the retreat house. That facility had 12 bedrooms, together with halls, meeting rooms, lounges, a sitting room, study and kitchen/dining rooms.
The former missionary centre - which used to house priests as well as hosting retreats - closed in 2024 after 26 years in operation. Prior to that, the buildings on the site served a farm.