Proposal to propel Cottam Parkway Railway Station as part of 281-home scheme

A Cumbrian housebuilder has submitted a planning application for a 281-home scheme in Lea, Preston.

Story Homes says the new development would provide a mix of one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes to support a range of local needs, offering a range of homes with flexible, open plan living spaces.

The Carlisle-based firm has a strong track record of delivery in Preston in recent years, having built around 700 homes in the city since 2015.

This includes the ongoing construction of 329 homes at its Durton Manor site in Fulwood and completed developments of 294 homes in Waterside, Cottam, and 147 homes in Elston Park, Grimsargh.

Alongside the development, the application includes the transfer of eight acres of land to deliver Cottam Parkway Railway Station, an important strategic component of Preston’s Development Plan and economic growth ambitions in the area.

The new £36m railway station is next to two existing strategic sites and within a

proposed strategic site in the emerging Central Lancashire Local Plan.

Not only will the station provide better rail access to around 12,000 homes in North West Preston, it will directly enable easier journeys in and out of Preston city centre, with a five-minute journey time from the Parkway to Preston.

Martin Nugent, Head of Land and Planning (North West) at Story Homes, said: “Our proposals for Lea Road will deliver 281 new, high quality homes, including much needed affordable housing, for Preston, supporting the new government’s drive to build more homes to tackle the housing crisis.

“Our proposals for this development site would see the transfer of eight acres of land into public ownership to unlock the development of the new Cottam Parkway railway station.

“Our team has worked with Preston City Council and Lancashire County

Council officers to identify the transfer of this land as the quickest and cheapest way for the County Council to deliver Cottam Parkway, helping to fulfill the City Deal.”

He added: “The development would also result in contribution of around £3m into the local community. We will continue to work closely with Preston City Council and its community teams to maximise our local impact.”