Further three-year delay to build almost 500 flats

Stalled plans to build nearly 500 flats on the outskirts of Preston city centre are unlikely to get off the ground for at least three years, plans have revealed.

The redevelopment of the former Dryden Mill would have seen the creation of six tower blocks, up to 16 storeys high, spread across two individual buildings.

It was approved by Preston City Council in March 2023, but the deal for the 469-apartment project fell through last year.

New documents submitted to the council's planning department, have revealed that it is "unlikely" building work on the homes will begin within the next three years.

Much of the plot is currently used as a car park. Now a planning application has been lodged to turn the rest of it into temporary "open storage" while attempts are made to resurrect the residential plans.

Documents submitted to the council's planners reveal it is considered "unlikely" building work on the homes will begin within the next three years with approval for the storage use being sought for that intervening period.

Planning agent Cassidy + Ashton says the intention of the applicant, Stoneygate Properties Ltd, is still to sell the site.

Planning permission is still in place for the properties and retail space on the ground floor.

The firm had previously reached an agreement with development specialists Belgravia for the latter to purchase the land and build the apartments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The process of finding a new developer to take on the scheme is expected to be lengthy.

The planning documents have said the site has attracted fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

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