NEW plans for a controversial town centre car park have been submitted to Chorley Borough Council.

Planning chiefs turned down an application for the 71-space site on Gillibrand Street, Chorley, in October.

But now Secure Car Parks Ltd has asked for a five-year temporary licence for the former Graham's store.

Mark Turner, spokesman for the firm, said: "We want to create a handy and high secure facility for shoppers and workers in Chorley.

"By asking for a five-year permission it will allow the site as a whole to be re-developed into a high quality retail development in future years."

The application was originally turned down because councillors wanted to redevelop the land for business use.

But the new application is designed as a temporary solution for the eyesore, leaving councillors free to grant planning permission for the vacant site in five years' time.

Mr Turner added: "Naturally we were disappointed when permanent permission was refused, but we feel by asking for a five year consent it will alleviate the fears of the local council."

Peter Wilding, chairman of Chorley and District Chamber of Trade, said: "The chamber is happy to support this application.

"We have lost 168 public parking spaces and as parking for shoppers is critical in the town centre we believe that the success of this application is vital."