Leyland shop destroyed by fire set to be brought back to life

Three years after a devastating fire, a town centre shop is set to be brought back to life.

Plans have been submitted to South Ribble Borough Council to partially re-develop 123 Towngate, Leyland, including a new roof and the introduction of additional flat at the second floor.

The premises were vacant when the fire broke out in May 2021, but five flats above and behind the shop had to be evacuated. Eight fire engines, including the stinger appliance and aerial ladder platform, attended the scene and firefighters used two breathing apparatus, four hose reels and one jet to extinguish the fire.

No serious injuries were reported, but eight people were treated for smoke inhalation, with two people taken to hospital as a precaution. Three young people were later recognised for their “stunning acts of bravery” in helping people evacuate.

What are the new plans?

The premises has stood vacant since the fire. The proposal is to revert the building back to its use of commercial ground floor shop use and uppers floors being used as two apartments. It is also proposed to add a second floor apartment and external means of access. It is not proposed to make any significant external alteration to the building. The existing shop front windows and doors and all windows are to be replaced as they are either missing or significantly fire damaged. The window locations to the front are to remain as existing. Some alterations are proposed to the rear windows to allow the new proposed external stairs to be locate and access doors to the first and second floor apartments. A rear dormer is proposed to the roof and Velux windows located to the front elevation.