Council unveils regeneration plan for Preston

The growth and development of the City of Preston is set for another boost with a landmark plan to be approved by Preston City Council.

Three years in the making, the Preston Local Plan is set to be adopted by the council on Thursday 2 July 2015.

Preston’s future housing development, business and commercial locations, transport infrastructure, educational and community facilities are all covered by this framework.

The Local Plan, which sets out how Preston will develop up to 2026, is welcomed by councillor John Swindells, deputy leader of Preston City Council, who said: “Preston‘s economy is growing. More people want to live in Preston and more people want to invest and do business in the city. Our challenge is to allow Preston to reach its potential and grow in a way that is managed and focused so that the city continues to be a great place to live.

“Over the next 12 years or so, we’re planning for the development of over 7,800 new homes. We’re talking quality homes and affordable homes for future generations to live in. But it’s not just about housing. It’s about people and communities.

"Making sure that people can get around easily and efficiently through a modern transport network. That people have access to protected green space and nature, along with doctors, health and other community facilities. To education and future learning and skills required to access the many thousands of jobs the Preston and Lancashire economy will create over the next few years.

“As one of the top 15 per cent of authorities to adopt a Local Plan, we can set the planning framework to achieve this and more. It puts Preston in charge of its own destiny and in the driving seat to a bright, sustainable future. It allows Preston to capitalise from every single penny of the £430m Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal in a constructive and planned way for the benefit of the many, not just the few.” Councillor Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, added: “We would welcome the adoption of the Local Plan for Preston. It is a major part of the City Deal jigsaw and provides certainty to the future development of Preston. It maps out the city’s future in a way that everybody can be utterly clear about. This is critical - not just for housing and commercial developers but for the people of Preston, as well as future generations who will live and work in the city.”