The housing association behind delayed plans to build almost 400 new homes on the edge of Preston city centre has said it “remain[s] committed” to the project.
It is almost two years since Onward Homes was granted permission to redevelop the former Horrocks Mill site, off Queen Street, and create an estate of townhouses and apartments – many of which were expected to be offered as discounted ‘affordable housing’.
However, as revealed earlier this week, the organisation has now applied to extend the approval currently in place to use the land as a temporary car park – suggesting an indefinite hold-up on the housing development.
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The news of the delay also prompted Preston City Council – which had planned to purchase 20 of the properties on the 380-home estate to kickstart a return to council housing in the city – to begin to explore other options in order to realise that ambition.
Onward had not responded by the time the original story was published, but it has now stressed that its Horrocks Mill project has not been abandoned. It also revealed that its application for the continued car park operation is for a period of two years – not the five-year permission that it currently holds and which is due to expire in 2026.
That suggests work on the new housing is unlikely to begin until at least 2028, although Onward said that a decision to grant an extension to the car park permission “would not preclude an earlier start” on the estate.
A spokesperson said: “We remain committed to delivering more quality affordable housing in Preston, in line with the vision set out in the Stoneygate Masterplan [the city council’s blueprint for the regeneration of that area of the city].
“We are continuing to develop our plans for Horrocks Mill whilst we also progress with the demolition of three outdated tower blocks nearby [at Avenham Lane]. These will ultimately be replaced with new, modern homes that better reflect local needs.
“We have applied to extend the current use of Horrocks Mill whilst we refine our detailed plans for the redevelopment of the site.
“We understand that delays in providing affordable housing can be frustrating, but we must take the time to get these plans right for local people. We will continue to work closely with our local partners and look forward to sharing further details next year.”
Preston City Council will make a decision on extending the life of the car park in the coming weeks.
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