The Grade II listed St Joseph's Orphanage and hospital, which historians fear is at risk of falling down following a fire, will be included in an extended Winckley Square conservation area.

And Town Hall chiefs have also pledged to expand the Avenham conservation area to include the Grade II listed railway viaduct and the stable yard near Avenham Park.

It means planners will have more control over how buildings are developed and protected, and whether any can be demolished.

Linda Barton, archivist for the Preston Historical Society, said she wanted to see the former catholic orphanage in Theatre Street, which closed in 1954 and was recently damaged by fire, given a new lease of life.

She said: "I think it's good news and hopefully that will strengthen the case to try and keep these buildings up and hopefully some new use will be found for them. They're worth a lot historically but not economically and obviously economics rules."

The public was asked for their views on plans to extend the conservation areas. Eight people commented on the proposed extension to the Avenham conservation area, raising concerns about 'for sale' boards, bins, and CCTV.

The extended Avenham conservation area will include: Frenchwood Knoll; the Riverside Walk and Frenchwood Recreation Grounds; and 18-25 Cross Street.

It will also take in the pathway, rockeries and Stable Yard to the west of the railway line and running south of the West Cliff entrance as far as South Meadow Lane, and the Grade II listed railway viaduct.

The extended Winckley Square conservation area will include: the former St Joseph's Orphanage and hospital, buildings either side of Theatre Street and those on the western side of Mount Street.

Preston Council's cabinet will discuss the plans on Wednesday.

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