The Miller Arcade includes Baluga Bar – who are objecting to the plans Pic: Tony Worrall

One of Preston’s listed buildings and architectural gems is likely to see new flats and a restaurant built into its upper floors.

The Miller Arcade which faces onto Lancaster Road and Church Street is grade II listed but has not seen use of the first floor upwards for seven years.

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Callaway Estates lodged plans to create 45 studio apartments, a decked roof garden and a restaurant on the first floor.

Plans for the scheme, which includes 38 one bedroom flats and seven two bedroom flats, have been recommended for approval by planning officers at Preston City Council.

The Arcade has many period features and is a listed building Pic: Tony Worrall

English Heritage, now known as Historic England, have been consulted and have given their backing to the proposals.

A statement in the planning report says: “We believe the harm caused by the conversion is outweighed by the public benefit of bringing the building back into use.

“Overall we are comfortably with the principle of the scheme.”

Architects plan showing the new roof terrace

The Miller Arcade was built in 1899 and included a Turkish Baths.

Two objections have been received to the plans, including from Luminar Leisure Limited who run Baluga Bar in the ground floor of the Arcade.

They are concerned about the close proximity of flats to their late night bar.

Plans show the first-floor restaurant would be spread over the same floor area as Baluga bar, which planners say would minimise noise to the flats in the upper floors.

Planning officers state in their conclusion: “The proposed development would deliver a sustainable development which would preserve, conserve and enhance the heritage designations of a key historic site within the city centre.

“Objections have been considered by the proposed residential uses can be adequately accommodated on the site with measures to control noise and odours from the existing uses and the proposed restaurant use.”

The plans are due to be discussed at the city council planning committee on Monday 27 April from 10am at the Town Hall.

You can view the full plans on the city council website.

What do you think of the plans for Miller Arcade? Would you live there? Let us know in the comments below