'Grenfell fire safety fears' could see Preston apartment block reduced in height

By Paul Faulkner
Published 8th Aug 2021, 13:49 BST
Updated 8th Aug 2021, 14:06 BST
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Concerns over fire safety look set to lead to a reduction in the number of affordable homes being built as part of a proposed estate in Preston.

Preston City Council’s planning committee had been due to decide on the future of the former Perrys Motor Village site on Blackpool Road in Ribbleton.

Officers had recommended that councillors approve a bid to build a total of 73 dwellings – all in the affordable category – including a three-storey block of 30 apartments.

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However, the committee heard that the firm behind the application, MCI Developments Limited, had made a last-minute request for the matter to be deferred – because of the difficulty in finding a registered housing provider (RP) prepared to operate a three-floor property.

The cleared site of the former Perrys Motor Village on Blackpool Road, where 73 affordable properties were due to be builtThe cleared site of the former Perrys Motor Village on Blackpool Road, where 73 affordable properties were due to be built
The cleared site of the former Perrys Motor Village on Blackpool Road, where 73 affordable properties were due to be built
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The original RP identified for the project is no longer able to meet the planned timescales for the project – and attempts to find a replacement had uncovered a reluctance to assume responsibility for a building of that size.

Hayley Knight, the agent for the application, said that concerns had been raised “in the wake of the Grenfell fire”.

“To allay these concerns the applicant is [proposing] changes to the scheme. It’s envisaged this is likely to require the removal of one of the levels of the apartment building.

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