A NEW micro-pub and restaurant could be coming to Chorley town centre.

Leslie Humphrys of Toastie Taverns has submitted plans for a restaurant/cafe and pub on the site of the former Yorkshire Bank on Market Street.

The designs have been created by RPC Architectural Design Ltd and show a cafe and bar serving cocktails, coffees and ales and spirits on the ground floor while the first floor will have a restaurant.

In the statement to planners, it is claimed: This proposal of a new Coffee House and Bar/Restaurant to Chorley town centre is a modern, forward thinking concept to provide the people of the town with a place of choice to eat, drink and socialise.

"The proposal compliments the existing building with a conscious effort to ensure that the features of the existing building and area are retained.

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"The proposal is contemporary and bold but at the same time well balanced with a unique recessed frontage to consciously encourage alfresco dining.

"In summary, the proposal represents good, well considered design in a town centre location and will greatly benefit the locality economically, socially and environmentally.

"The application for full planning permission and the application for consent to display advertisement we believe should therefore be granted."

In the document it also mentions "The building itself on first inspection appears in good condition structurally but requires investment to the external façade and a full fit out internally."

There will be a hideaway bar and restaurant and also a decked area at the back of the site.

Malcolm Allen, chairman of the Chorley Traders Alliance hopes the plans will be given the green light.

He said: "This is excellent news for the town centre.

"It is just what the site needs and is creating a night-time economy and if it is open during the day then it will be good.

"It will bring an old building which has been run down back into use at that end of town.

"There is a bit of a buzz around Chorley with micro-pubs and bars and with the enhancements at the Royal Oak and I hope it is agreed."

n What do you think of the news? Email your views to robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk