Latest news with #PrestonCityCouncil
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Sheep to graze under solar panels in Preston green energy scheme
Sheep are set to share their fields with solar panels as part of a green energy scheme approved by of Lower House Farm in Preston is to be covered in the solar panels, which would generate enough electricity to power about 5,900 would still be able to graze under the panels which which would be mounted on metal frames with legs no taller than 3.25m, the Local Democracy Reporting Service agent behind the application, Doug Moulton told councillors in Preston that a special seed mix with a more "shade tolerant" variety of grass would be used. Members of Preston City Council's planning committee heard it would be largely screened from public view and would leave the agricultural use of the land firm behind the proposal said the site – close to Woodplumpton and New Mill brooks – provided a rare opportunity in Moulton told the committee meeting: "A solar farm can only be located where there is capacity for the renewable energy generated to be [transferred] into the grid."There are very few options to connect renewable energy schemes within the Preston area."He said the plot was surrounded on two sides by bunds, while existing hedgerows would also provide "robust screening"."Significant new planting is proposed, with groups of trees that reflect the local landscape character," he planning officers recommended approval of the application, saying the panels would appear as "largely unobtrusive features within the surrounding landscape".The development is temporary and is expected to have a lifespan of 40 years before being decommissioned and the area returned to traditional grassland. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Further three-year delay to build almost 500 flats in Preston
Stalled plans to build nearly 500 flats on the outskirts of Preston city centre are unlikely to get off the ground for at least three years, plans have redevelopment of the former Dryden Mill would have seen the creation of six tower blocks, up to 16 storeys high, spread across two individual was approved by Preston City Council in March 2023, but the deal for the 469-apartment project fell through last documents submitted to the council's planning department, have revealed that it is "unlikely" building work on the homes will begin within the next three years. Much of the plot is currently used as a car park. Now a planning application has been lodged to turn the rest of it into temporary "open storage" while attempts are made to resurrect the residential submitted to the council's planners reveal it is considered "unlikely" building work on the homes will begin within the next three years with approval for the storage use being sought for that intervening agent Cassidy + Ashton says the intention of the applicant, Stoneygate Properties Ltd, is still to sell the permission is still in place for the properties and retail space on the ground firm had previously reached an agreement with development specialists Belgravia for the latter to purchase the land and build the apartments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The process of finding a new developer to take on the scheme is expected to be planning documents have said the site has attracted fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Preston: 'Dangerous' derelict pub to be made safe
The owner of a "dangerous" derelict pub has started to make the building safe after the council threatened to step in. The former Old Dog Inn in Preston, a Grade II-listed building, was showing partial signs of collapse in its rear City Council had given the pub's owner permission to knock down and rebuild the owner's work to make it safe came after the council said it would be forced to intervene and do the work itself. The building, in Church Street, dates back to the 19th century. It closed as a pub in 2018. 'So dangerous' The council said after making several unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner it felt it had "no option" than to proceed in exercising its powers under section 78 of the Building Act 1984 to demolish the rear wall and prop the front facade. A notice of intention was served with a date for the work to start stating the significant costs would be recovered from the owner through legislation. Scaffolding went up on the site on Saturday. 'No option' The council said it has contractors on site to ensure the necessary work is carried out and to provide any support Amber Afzal, cabinet member of planning and regulation, said: "We had no option but to act immediately to ensure the safety of the contractors on site and the general public. "We will endeavour to retain as much of the front facade as possible, due to the Grade II listing of the property."He added: "The future of the property remains uncertain at this time."Planning documents from earlier this year named the owner of the building as Asjed BBC has been unable to contact him for comment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
01-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Moor Park: Work starts on revamp of Preston's oldest park
Work has started on the £3.9m revamp of a city's oldest Lake at Moor Park in Preston is being de-silted and extended "to restore it to its former glory" .A long-forgotten bridge there when the park was formed in 1833 is also being rebuilt, Preston City Council said, while the Grade II* listed park will also get an improved playground, a better football changing pavilion and a wildflower meadow will also be overhaul is part of the £20m the city council received from the previous government's Levelling Up fund. The works around the lake will see the de-silting and extension of the waterbody to its original size as proposed by Edward Milner, the original designer of the park. In addition, footpaths and railings surrounding the lake will be upgraded, and the Serpentine Bridge will be Taylor, interim director of environment and property at the city council, said the work was "essential" as part of a significant effort to preserve the lake and protect the surrounding said the project would "revitalise the park, enhancing it as a welcoming space for both the local community and wildlife to enjoy for years to come".The works are set to be completed by next year. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
TikTok's Spud Bros plan major expansion in Preston city centre
Tiktok stars the Spud Bros are planning a major expansion of their jacket potato and Harley Nelson currently sell spuds from an old tram in Preston city centre, but now they want to replace the traditional vehicle with a unit the size of two shipping containers. If their plans are approved by Preston City Council, the business would occupy the same spot in the middle of the Flag 29, and 22-year-old Harley went viral on social media last year after posting videos of themselves at work. They have now amassed more than four million followers. According to their planning application, the new premises would retain an "old Preston tram-style quality, featuring overhanging fascias and local art".A separate kitchen and serving area would be created to enable "safer and more efficient food preparation".It is anticipated the revamp could lead to the creation of six new unit would also feature space for a podcasting booth "to attract local and international celebrities to take part in Preston's famous Spud Bros food and share their experiences".For their ambitions to be realised, however, the brothers must persuade council planners that their proposals are suitable for the Market Place Conservation site is directly in front of the Grade I-listed Harris Museum and just yards from the city's Cenotaph. Sessions House and the former main post office – both Grade II-listed – are also brothers' application included plans for a mural by local artist Shawn section which would overlook the Cenotaph would have a "remembrance theme", according to the application, while the overall design is intended to "compliment and blend in to the character of the site" and reflect its brothers are initially seeking temporary planning permission for a period of five years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
