Area Overview for Ingol & Cottam Ward

A curious roadside decoration in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Railway Bridge over Lea Road in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Bridge No 18 On Lancaster Canal in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Towpath along the Lancaster Canal in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Lancaster Canal at Cottam in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Lea Malt Kiln Bridge No 18 in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Quaker's Bridge No 19 in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Greenfinch Avenue, Cottam Meadow in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Copper Beech Lane, Cottam in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Lancaster Canal, Cottam in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Wayside Cross, Lea Road, Ashton on Ribble in Ingol & Cottam Ward
Narrowboats moored on the Lancaster Canal in Ingol & Cottam Ward
26 photos from this area

Area Information

Ingol & Cottam Ward is an electoral ward of Preston City Council in Lancashire, North West England. This district encompasses the suburbs of Ingol and Cottam, along with the area of Tanterton. The ward lies approximately three miles west of the city centre. Its boundaries touch Greyfriars, Cadley, Ashton, Larches, Lea, and Preston Rural North. Together with the Ward of Tanterton, it hosts a population of 7,369 people based on the 2011 census. The total land area covers 6.2 km². The suburb has evolved significantly. Before the 1960s, it was a quiet rural fringe defined by the Lancaster Canal running through the south. Extensive council housing development began in the Barry Avenue estate and east of Tag Lane. Private housing emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the Ingol Golf Village, followed by social housing in Tanterton. Further infilling occurred into the 1990s. Today, the area features a mix of new builds and established estates. The civil parish of Ingol and Tanterton was created in 2012, reflecting the area's growth from a rural backwater into a distinct suburban community. You can find a library, community centre, and places of worship such as St Margaret's CofE and Holy Family RC within the ward limits.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
6.2 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community centre of Ingol & Cottam Ward reflects a mature population profile. The median age of residents is 70 years, which is significantly higher than the national average. This age structure suggests the ward contains many empty nesters and older retirees. Home ownership is prevalent in the area, with 59% of residents owning their properties outright or with a mortgage. Despite this high ownership rate, there are notable proportions of specific household types. A substantial 37% of households pay social rent, while single-person households make up 39% of the total. These figures indicate a diverse living situation where older individuals and empty nesters often live alone. Accommodation types vary across the 6.2 km². You will find a higher proportion of flats than the averages for Preston or the North West, standing at 27.4%. Semi-detached housing also features prominently, accounting for 28.9% of the stock. Employment patterns differ from the wider council area. Personal service roles make up 14% of local employment, which is higher than the 9% figure for Preston. This aligns with the presence of schools and local services. The demographic picture shows a settled community with a strong property base but also significant tenancy for specific groups.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

59
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

33
in Lower managerial occupations

Explore more demographic insights in this area

Go to Demographics tab

Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

Explore more planning insights in this area

Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the character of the community in Ingol & Cottam Ward?
The community is predominantly suburban with a mature demographic. The median age is 70 years, reflecting a significant population of older residents. Estate agents often highlight the variety of housing, from the Barry Avenue council estates to the newer private developments and the Ingol Golf Village. You will find 59% of households are owner-occupiers, while a large 39% are single-person households.
How good are transport and internet connections for homes in Ingol & Cottam Ward?
Digital connectivity is excellent with a fixed broadband quality score of 97 out of 100. This ensures high-speed internet for working from home. Physically, Woodplumpton Road acts as the main arterial route to Preston and Wyre. The M55 motorway runs along the northern boundary, and local bus services operate through the suburban areas.
Is Ingol & Cottam Ward safe from natural hazards?
The area has a Pass rating for flood risk with a score of 4.15, indicating very low risk. There are no Ramsar sites or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the boundaries. Similarly, there is no protected woodland or nature reserve to restrict development, giving the Planning Constraints score of 0. This makes it a straightforward location regarding environmental planning rules.
What should I know about crime in Ingol & Cottam Ward?
Crime risk is rated as a Warning level with a score of 53 out of 100. This classifies the area as having a medium crime risk where rates are around the average. While not a high-risk zone, standard security precautions are advisable. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly when leaving their homes or vehicles unattended.

We use cookies to provide you with the best experience. By continuing, you agree to our Cookie Policy .