Experts brought in to advise on Preston tram proposals

Experts from PWA Planning - a consultancy which has worked on major plans for football grounds, schools and the multi-storey car park at Royal Preston Hospital - have been brought in to advise on the revised proposals.

Preston Trampower has re-submitted plans to create a pilot tram operation in the city, by reinstating a stretch of the former Longridge to Preston train line.

Lancashire planning consultancy PWA Planning has submitted a fresh application, hoped to address concerns over road safety and noise which meant the scheme was thrown out last year.

The project would see a new tram station, platform and tram shed built on a former coal yard in Deepdale, and a section of the disused train line between Skeffington Road and Deepdale Street reinstated.

Lewis Lesley, technical director of Preston Trampower, said: “This is an exciting project for the city of Preston and one that has the potential to play a major role in its ongoing regeneration.

“This pilot project would act as a precursor to a fully operational tram system that could be easily extended across the city and link up to other transport hubs.

“It’s a chance for Preston to see what’s possible and how a modern and sustainable light railway system could transform the city by improving local transport infrastructure and easing the traffic congestion we all experience.

“We’d love to the see the city getting behind this vision.”

Daniel Hughes, senior planner at PWA Planning, said: “With this new planning application, we’ve directly addressed concern about possible noise pollution through suitable noise reduction measures, and we’ve also shown how design and minor highway alterations can address any safety concerns relating to the proposed tram line crossing at Deepdale Mill Street.”

Preston Trampower has named Pre Metro Operations, which runs the Stourbridge Shuttle light railway, as its preferred operator to run the proposed tram operation.