The site of a former Preston industrial hub is set for a residential transformation as plans are to be given the green light. Up to 100 new houses will be built at Cottam Brickworks which is another housing boost for the city which continues to work alongside its City Living strategy with the arrival HS2 set to boost the regional economy.

We’ll be in Preston for the Lancashire Development Plans Conference next month where Preston City Council will be one of the local authorities discussing their plans – alongside developers who are set to build big in the city.

Outline permission had been granted for a scheme on the site, which included residential, retail and employment land alongside a marina adjacent to the Lancaster Canal – but plans were put on hold last year and the new application sees several changes. The new plan is linked to another housing bid for 21 dwellings as a replacement scheme for the marina site, with officers now recommending the plans for approval with conditions – despite objections by the Lead Local Flood Authority about surface drainage. A report highlighting the approval says that ‘the proposed scheme would provide additional residential development and would facilitate the next phase of the development at this strategically important site.”

The Cottam Brickworks area was originally built close to the canal to transport bricks into Preston and further afield. It became dormant in the 1960s when production ceased, and the clay quarry was filled in with demolition rubble – and had been left derelict for years. The wider Cottam Hall site was subject to a £80m regeneration plan in 2014, with canalside living, a superstore, pubs, restaurants, shops, offices and a petrol station.

With some incredible developments in the region the Lancashire Development Plans Conference is set to be a great event.