Brookhouse’s Preston plans could go to an inquiry

PROPOSALS for a major development scheme in Preston, including a hotel and shops, have been passed by the council but referred to the Government Office North West (GONW).

The plan for the site of the Queens Retail Park and adjacent land on Queen Street covers a nine-acre area and has been passed to GONW because of its size.

The scheme, which has been put forward by the Sale-based Brookhouse Group, could now be given the green light or called in for a Government enquiry.

It includes a 107,000 sq ft supermarket, other shops and commercial units, a 100-bedroom hotel and a multi-storey car park with 700 spaces. An application was first put to the council in 2008 but revised proposals were submitted earlier this year.

Brookhouse’s plans have met with strong opposition from rival developer Countryside Properties which has planning permission for a supermarket and flats nearby.

A report prepared ahead of a planning meeting on Monday concluded: “The development will integrate well with the proposed development on the adjoining site and with existing development to the east and south.”

It added: “The objections to the application have been carefully considered but do not raise issues that would justify the refusal of planning permission. On balance it is considered that the benefits resulting from granting planning permission outweigh the non-compliance with the development plan.”