Two applications going before Preston City Council’s planning committee have both been recommended for approval, subject to a section 106 requirement concerning the provision of affordable homes.

The retailer will expand into two vacant units adjacent to its 35,000 sq ft store at the Horwich retail park, increasing its floorspace to just shy of 73,000 sq ft.

Mayor Andy Burnham described the integrated settlement, which will be paid in the next financial year, as “the biggest step yet” on the city region’s devolution journey.

Plans from Grammont Group and Black Pearl Homes to redevelop a former biofuels site off Dock Road South into a 975 homes are in line for approval next week.