WARRINGTON Borough Council has given the green light to plans that will see the transformation of an empty site on a major road.

The former Lookers Vauxhall car showroom on Winwick Road has been vacant since its closure more than two years ago.

Warrington Guardian: PLP winwick rd closed.

Now the building is set to be demolished to make way for a self-storage warehouse.

Storage firm Lok’N’Store has been given planning permission to build a new 5,450sq ft facility at the site on the A49.

Warrington Guardian:

It says that the scheme will create five full-time jobs – with the premises set to open between 8.30am and 8pm from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and between 10am and 2pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Planning application documents stated: “Lok’nStore storage facilities provide a simple low-cost means to provide extra storage space for householders, institutions and business customers.

“At some time, everyone needs extra space or temporary storage – and therefore everyone is a potential user.

“This type of flexible storage is an essential aspect of modern living, especially amid high density residential areas and in urban business centres.

“The Lok’nStore facility will aid the viability of other town businesses, which will help quicken the pace of urban development and promote economic growth.

Warrington Guardian:

"The new building design respects the needs of nearby residential properties and also provides a built form which provides definition to the street and neighbourhood at the major road junction.”

The council gave its consent for the proposals on Monday, May 22.

Lookers shut its Warrington and Yardley sites in May 2018 following Vauxhall’s decision to reduce the size of its network of dealerships in the UK.

Warrington Guardian: PLP winwick rd closed.