Prime site's future safe

The development brief for the former McDonald's and surrounding properties in Market Street and the derelict Graham's site in Gillibrand Street was set to be considered by councillors at a town hall meeting.

The publication of the document follows last month's failed attempt by an investment company to construct a car park on part of the site.

It is hoped the plans will improve the vitality of the area.

Alan Croston, Chorley Borough Council's head of planning, said: "We are trying to promote a proper retail scheme in accordance with the local plan.

"We hope that the brief and the publicity surrounding it will help to bring about a commercial re-development."

The plans include developing the site as a whole to provide a large single shop unit which could attract a big-name store.

It is recommended the upper floors of the building be used for commercial, leisure or educational use. If councillors accept the brief, it will become part of the council's planning guidance.

The owners of the Graham's portion of the land, Pro Mill Investments, had hoped to build a car park. But after a planning appeal, an inspector concluded that the site was the only attractive town centre site left for retail development and therefore rejected the plans.

Peter Wilding, chairman of Chorley and District Chamber of Trade, said: "It is a solid proposal and we support it.

"But we trust that the council will give it its best endeavours to make sure it goes ahead very quickly given that this was the main reason for refusal of the car park, which the chamber was in favour of.

"Given that the development is next to two new dress shops, the council now needs to follow this through and find a developer quickly."

Although no companies have come forward to buy the site, there have been several approaches. Mr Croston said: "There has been some interest in the site. We hope that further interest will materialise into something positive."