Slightly scaled-back plans for a new car park near Preston city centre are to be heard by councillors.

Councillors deferred initial proposals for a 76-space car park on land between Hardwicke Street and Penny Street.

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Objections from nearby residents and the Friends of St Ignatius Square Conservation, of which part of the land falls into, made councillors ask council officers to think again.

New plans show a 67-space car park and a new security fence being put up along the line of a new boundary for the car park.

Those objecting to the proposal say the boundary line is too close to the properties which border the site and the car parks would become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, prostitution and drug dealing.

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They reference other car parks in the Meadow Street area which are plagued by issues such as the above.

Preston City Council says the car park is needed to help off-set the loss of parking spaces once the Market Hall car park demolition begins.

Nick Millband from the Friends group said: “We held a meeting with planning on Tuesday evening last week where we were assured that a security fence would be erected along the line of a new boundary as shown on the revised plan.

“No assurances were made about the car park being closed at night which is a concern for several residents in terms of noise and security.”

Read more: When demolition work is due to begin on Preston’s old Market Hall

Mr Millband confirmed he would be objecting to the latest proposals.

Councillors are due to hear the amended plans for the car park at the next planning committee at the Town Hall on Thursday (26 April).

What do you think about the Penny Street plans? Let us know in the comments below