Developer considering legal challenge over bedsits bid

Controversial plans to convert a former religious retreat house in suburban Preston into more than two dozen bedsits have been blocked by a planning inspector.

- by Paul Faulkner

The proposed revamp of the former Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre, in Sharoe Green Lane in Fulwood, was rejected by Preston City Council's planning committee back in December.

Councillors concluded that the creation of a 31-room house in multiple occupation (HMO) would damage the character of the area and lead to an "over-concentration" in the use of the property - whose only permanent residents since 1998 had been a small number of priests.

Sapphire Properties Investment Limited - the Preston-based firm behind the plans - appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to have the decision overturned, but it has instead been upheld.

The firm's owner, Mick Patel, said there was a "90 per cent chance" he will now take the matter to the High Court to argue that the inspector's decision was flawed.