Chorley nightclub plans withdrawn but developer to start again

The former Lost bar, Chorley. Pic: Google

The developers behind proposals to redevelop Chorley’s former Lost Bar say they remain committed to regeneration the building despite withdrawing a planning application.

Bare Capital Ltd submitted plans earlier this year which would have seen 18 bedsits created inside the Fazakerley Street building which was home to the former nightclub. However, those plans have since been withdrawn and will no longer be considered by Chorley Borough Council’s planning department.

When approached by Blog Preston, Bare Capital director Paul Preston explained that planning policy was behind the decision to withdraw the application and that the proposals are being redesigned to maintain a public use of the building on the ground floor.

He said: “We had hoped that our plans for a high-quality co-living scheme would be warmly received as a positive addition to the town. With the ongoing investment in the town centre by the local authority through LUF funding, we believe there is a genuine opportunity to introduce a strongly branded, modern, and affordable accommodation option right in the heart of the town.

“As a Chorley-based business, we are passionate about supporting the revival of this vibrant market town. Our vision for a higher-end co-living model aims to attract young working professionals to the town centre, contributing to the growing local economy. It’s fantastic to see the live music scene thriving and the arrival of new bars and restaurants, and we feel this is the perfect time to complement these developments with private sector investment in town centre living.”

The company had hoped that including communal areas within the new homes would have been sufficient to make the redevelopment acceptable but will now modify the plans to keep the ground floor open to the public. This would be under what is known as a Class E use in planning terms and covers a range of potential uses such as cafe, shop, bar, offices and more.

Mr Preston said: “Our original scheme was carefully designed to retain the character and vibrancy of a bar or café on the ground floor, while offering exceptional amenity space for residents. The plan featured a beautifully interior-designed bar/kitchen, living room, and dining area on the ground floor, creating an active frontage for the town while providing residents with a unique communal living experience. However, planning policy requires the ground floor unit to be retained for a more traditional Class E use.

“As a result, the property is now likely to follow a slightly more conventional approach, with Use Class E on the ground floor and residential redevelopment above. We hope that the ground floor space will attract a local business, further enhancing the growth and vibrancy of the town centre.”

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