A Preston-based property developer has lodged fresh proposals to transform a former religious retreat centre into shared accommodation, albeit on a significantly reduced scale from its original ambitions.
Following a rejected proposal and appeal, the former Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre on Sharoe Green Lane in Fulwood could be set to convert into a five-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The former Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre on Sharoe Green Lane in Fulwood had previously been earmarked as a possible conversion into a 31-bedroom HMO.
However, that proposal was firmly rejected by Preston City Council’s planning committee in December 2024, with councillors expressing concerns about the detrimental effect such a development would have on those living nearby.
The company subsequently lost an appeal against that decision, with a planning inspector determining that activity levels from the larger scheme would have been incompatible with the residential neighbourhood.
The inspector concluded that the “comings and goings” associated with a 31-bedroom HMO would far exceed those typical of surrounding residential properties.
Following that setback, Mick Patel, who heads Sapphire Property Investments, indicated he was exploring alternative options for the site.
Mr Patel stated he was “in negotiations” regarding a potential conversion of the building into a mosque.
A Preston-based property developer has lodged fresh proposals to transform a former religious retreat centre into shared accommodation, albeit on a significantly reduced scale from its original ambitions
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Such a change of use would not have necessitated planning approval, given that the premises already held authorisation for religious purposes.
However, the company has opted to pursue a scaled-down HMO route instead, submitting its latest application to Preston City Council.
The firm is now seeking permission to create a five-bedroom HMO instead.
The new proposal marks a considerable departure from both the rejected large-scale HMO scheme and the mooted mosque conversion that Mr Patel had previously floated as a possibility.
Planning documents submitted to the local authority indicate that the conversion would necessitate only “minimal” internal modifications, with no alterations required to the building’s exterior.
The application materials also reference a “planning fallback” position, noting that should permission be refused, the site could resume operating at the “level of activity” previously generated by the retreat house.
When functioning as a spirituality centre, the facility comprised 12 bedrooms alongside various communal spaces, including halls, meeting rooms, lounges, a sitting room, study and kitchen/dining areas.
The former missionary centre served as a residence for priests whilst also hosting religious retreats for visitors.
The facility ceased operations in 2024 after operating for 26 years at the Fulwood location.
Prior to its use as a religious retreat, the buildings on the site had functioned as a farm.