Full Breakdown
Preston City Council Rejects New Shops and Flats Development
2/17/2026, 11:31:04 AM
Overview of the Development Proposal
Plans for a new development on Blackpool Road in Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, which aimed to construct three retail units with six apartments above, have been unanimously rejected by the Preston City Council planning committee. The proposal was intended to replace a previous building that had been demolished after being deemed unsafe during renovation efforts.
Concerns Over Size and Impact
Despite a recommendation for approval from planning officers, council members expressed significant concerns regarding the "size and scale" of the proposed development. They argued that the number of occupants would lead to an "over-intensive use of the site," negatively impacting nearby residents and the overall character of the area. More than 50 objections were submitted by local residents and three councillors, highlighting issues such as inadequate parking for both shop customers and flat occupants.
Developer's Response and Appeal Plans
Mick Patel, the developer representing Sapphire Properties Investment Limited, expressed disappointment following the council's decision. He stated that the project was fully compliant with planning policies and criticized the committee members, asserting they lacked the expertise of planning officers who had supported the application. Patel indicated his intention to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate and seek to recover associated costs. He emphasized that if the appeal fails, he would not pursue further development on the site, leaving it vacant indefinitely.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Patel remarked, “We were fully compliant with all planning policies – and my opinion is committee members are not planning experts.” He also noted that he had collaborated closely with the city council prior to submitting the application, making adjustments to ensure compliance with local standards.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents and councillors voiced their concerns regarding the proposed development, emphasizing that the scale of the project was inappropriate for the location. The objections centered around fears of increased traffic, insufficient parking, and the potential for the development to disrupt the neighborhood's character.
What's Next
The next steps will involve Patel's appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, where he will argue for the project's approval. The outcome of this appeal will determine the future of the site, which has remained vacant since the previous structure's demolition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were fully compliant with all planning policies – and my opinion is committee members are not planning experts.” — Mick Patel, Developer
- “I just won’t build anything there. I’ve got plenty of [other] projects on, so I’ll leave a piece of grass there forever,” — Mick Patel, Developer
