Retail bid in doubt over Preston plan crossover

Proposals to demolish the former home of Perrys Motor Village to build a shopping and gym complex will be determined by the city council’s planning committee next week.

Officers have recommended the plan for rejection because it could scupper progress on the nearby Horrocks Quarter, a location identified in the Preston City Centre Area Action Plan (PCCAAP) and City Deal for investment.

The site on Blackpool Road, Ribbleton, has been vacant since the car sales firm moved in June last year.

Developers Scarborough Group hope to build two retail units, a gym, food shop and coffee “pod”, creating 75 jobs.

Outlining the recommendation, local authority officers say “by virtue of the proximity” the development “would have a significantly adverse impact” on a site “central to delivering regeneration aspirations of the PCCAAP.”

The Horrocks Quarter includes outlets for The Range and Tilemart along with a Aldi supermarket and has been designated as “under-utilised” by city planners.

A similar bid to bring new retail units at the site, close to Deepdale retail park, was submitted but later withdrawn in 2015.

Developers will hope to convince committee members the plans will not affect the adopted framework.

Planning documents reveal the developers have completed a public consultation period asking for feedback on the plans.

Residents were told: “Our new proposals will regenerate a derelict site, which has previously been the subject of anti-social behaviour and nuisance locally.”

The planning committee meets at 2.30pm on Thursday, September 7 at the town hall.