Posted 14 July 2009 at 00:00
The planning committee’s decision to support the £700m Preston Tithebarn development is being welcomed.
After over two days of deliberation and consideration of a 300 page report, the Planning Committee unanimously agreed that planning permission should be given to the Tithebarn development subject to a number of conditions and legal agreements.
This decision will now be referred to Government, which has the final say on whether Preston City Council can make this decision or whether the Government wishes to make the decision itself following a public inquiry.
Welcoming the Planning Committee’s decision, Councillor Ken Hudson – Leader of Preston City Council said:
“I am very pleased with the decision of Planning Committee. The Committee considered in-depth studies and very detailed and comprehensive reports which showed an overwhelming case in favour of Tithebarn. It took into account all the representations which were submitted following consultation. This is a great development for Preston, for Lancashire and the North West as a whole. It is vital for the regional economy that Tithebarn is allowed to proceed, especially in the current economic climate. We hope the Government is persuaded by the very clear arguments in favour of Tithebarn and allows the development to go-ahead, without the need for a costly and un-necessary public inquiry which could potentially put the whole development at risk.”
Jim Carr – Chief Executive of Preston City Council added:
“This is a positive step forward but we now await the Government’s decision with baited breath. All the evidence shows that Tithebarn is the right development for Preston and for Lancashire. It is firmly in line with national, regional and local planning policy so there is simply no need for a public inquiry. We hope the Government will be persuaded by all the evidence and allows the Council to grant planning approval, as it will provide a much needed boost to the North West economy.”
1.Preston Tithebarn is a £700m retail led regeneration of Preston City Centre.
2.The Tithebarn development provides for new John Lewis and Marks and Spencer anchor stores, as well as other improvements in shopping in the city.
3.Tithebarn also includes a revitalised Preston Markets, a new bus station, a new cinema, cafes, bars as well as new offices and homes.
4.The development is being led by Preston Tithebarn Partnership which is a partnership between Grosvenor and Lend Lease – two leading international developers.
5.A full copy of the in-depth planning report considered by the Planning Committee can be found on the Tithebarn regeneration page.
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