The Italian Orchard expansion would create a number of jobs

A major expansion of an Italian restaurant on the outskirts of Preston has been proposed.

The Italian Orchard, Broughton, has applied to build a large function room extension off its premises on Whittingham Lane.

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Unused grazing land which backs onto the restaurant would be converted to be the function room which will be able to host late night events on Saturdays.

Up to 330 people will be able to be seated for functions.

The San Marco group, who operate the restaurant, say five new full-time jobs and 30 part-time roles are to be created if the expansion goes ahead.

The extension will be more than 1,800 square metres and include a new car park and access road.

A view of the fields where the extension would go

Italian Orchard can currently serve 300 people so the extension would double its capacity.

The restaurant has been operating since 1985.

The size of the application means the plans must be heard by Preston City Council’s planning committee.

The full plans can be seen on the city council website and comments can be left on them.

Or comments can be left by emailing devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference number 06/2014/0701 by Friday 17 October.

What do you think about the proposed extension? Do you live nearby? Let us know in the comments below