Over 1000 new rooms for students are to be created if proposals are approved. 

Preston Council’s planning committee met on February 2 to discuss the plans by developers Bretherton Homes, from Lostock Hall to build nearly 52 new student flats on Corporation Street.

This proposal is coupled with a separate plan to build 196 new flats on a site adjacent to UCLan’s main campus opposite Marsh Lane.

The plans would provide 1200 new rooms in total for UCLan students as well as four new ‘student orientated’ shops near Marsh Lane.

The plans come a year after the £26 million construction of 628 new flats on Moor Lane, half a mile from the proposed new development.

A spokesman from consultancy firm De Pol Associates was optimistic about the proposed developments and the benefits that it will bring for Corporation Street and Friargate.

The development on Corporation Street is to be on the site of a 19th century warehouse, and also includes 12 non-student flats, is expected to get the go-ahead in early February.

Meanwhile the proposals for the renovation of Marsh Lane has already seen the demolition of a derelict works building, formerly home to T. Jolly Services, ready for construction of the six storey accommodation building.

However some residents are angry that the proposed new developments are aimed at students and not locals in need of housing and see themselves as being placed bottom of the local council’s priority list.

Local councillors have called for more terraced and semi-detached housing for the area for local residents instead of student flats.

Residents are also unhappy about the continued growth of the University which they believe will bring more noise pollution and litter to the streets with more students arriving in the city.