Supported accommodation for former pub

A former Preston pub is to become a home for vulnerable adults.

The green light has been given to plans to turn what used to be Oblivion, on Grimshaw Street in the city centre, into supported accommodation.

The hostelry closed down more than five years ago and – along with an adjoining property – has already undergone refurbishment for conversion into 11 one-bedroomed apartments.

Now, Preston City Council has granted further permission for the refitted buildings to be used as specialist housing.   No additional physical alterations will be required. 

According to documents lodged with the authority, the premises – to be operated by registered social landlord Excel Housing Solutions – will be staffed 24 hours a day “to provide ongoing care and supervision for residents”.

Overnight staff will work “waking shifts” and the arrangements will “provide full coverage and allow for prompt response to needs or emergencies”.

In its application, the organisation said:  “[Excel Housing Solutions] is also registered with the Housing Ombudsman and aims to fully comply with all regulatory standards concerning anti-social behaviour and tenant satisfaction. Our objective is to provide quality, supported accommodation for our residents.”

City council planning officials concluded it was likely there would be no difference between the level of noise generated for the approved apartments and the proposed supported accommodation – and so would not adversely affect neighbouring residences.

In a report outlining its reasons for approving the application, the authority added:  “There is a small area of usable outdoor amenity space to be used by residents to the rear – and the property is also located within the city centre, close to outdoor amenity space such as Avenham Park which would provide further outdoor recreation space for future residents.”