PLANS to pull down the Accrington Market pavilion and introduce more car parking to the town centre have edged closer.

David Turner from Hyndburn Council has submitted the planning application to demolish the extension in the conservation area on Peel Street between Blackburn Road and Infant Street to the east side of the market hall.

If approved it would see the highways on Peel Street extended up to three metres of the market hall.

In the design and access statement, it said: “Parked cars would be kept away from the Market Hall in designated parking bays.

“The highway will be opened up to two way traffic up to junction with Blackburn Road with 'no entry' on to Blackburn Road from Peel Street.

“The carriageway and footway will be realigned on the east side of Peel Street to reflect the alignment of the existing building.

“Parking will be created for up to 52 cars.

“The proposed works act as a natural progression in updating the Market Hall external spaces in support of the recent successful refurbishment of the town centre whilst maintaining and contributing to the building’s status as a local heritage asset.”

The Lancashire Telegraph reported in January this year about the plans by the cabinet to transform the canopy and kiosks facing Peel Street and redevelop the area to offer additional short stay car parking.

Cllr Paul Cox, head of the Accrington Town Team, said: “This is going to be outline planning permission and is not set in stone and it is just a move forward. We have had regular meetings with traders to make them know about it.

“It has to be what they want as they are the ones that are going to relocate or adapt and there will be a full consultation when full planning application goes in.

“Coronavirus has changed the face of shopping and people are wanting to use local shops and with the extra short-term parking in the town then they will not need to go to out of town areas.

“Also if you remove the pavilion it will open the side of the Market Hall and has heritage benefits where you can enjoy the architecture.”

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