Manchester based HOW Planning has secured planning approval for the redevelopment of the former Whittingham Hospital in Preston.

Client Taylor Wimpey will transform the site into an extensive residential led, mixed use development.

The Reserved Matters application has been unanimously approved at committee by Preston City Council and a further decision by delegated consent is expected for a change of use and listed Building Consent application for the redevelopment of St John’s Church.

Both applications were submitted following an extensive pre-application consultation exercise undertaken with local interest groups and the local community. The approval paves the way for a development of up to 650 dwellings, up to 9000 sq m of office/light industrial use, a primary school and a variety of community uses including sports and recreational uses as well as new means of access, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure. The former St John’s Church will also be converted to a community facility.

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The former hospital, which is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), is now derelict and has been brought forward for redevelopment by the HCA and partners Taylor Wimpey.

Carol Clarke, associate at HOW Planning, said: "This is an excellent scheme which will transform what is currently a vacant, unusable site into a very attractive new development. It will create many opportunities for the local community, the rural areas and wider borough of Preston and will act as a catalyst for the investment to the area."

Gareth Owen, regional land director for Taylor Wimpey North West, added: "We have been working closely with the HCA and all our advisers for a long time to ensure this development meets all expectations and ambitions for the area. This announcement enables us to progress with the scheme and ensure this major regeneration programme becomes a reality."

(CD)