Chorley council's development control committee rejected plans for 11 two-storey homes to be built on the site of the Lawrence Lane Community Hall.

Now residents and councillors who helped force the change could submit a planning application for a new village hall and sports complex.

Eccleston Parish Council has already requested the council instruct the landowner to clean up the 'eyesore' site and they have served notice that they intend to submit a new planning application.

Chairman of Lancashire County Council, Alan Whittaker, who is also a local councillor, campaigned to have the housing development rejected.

He said: "The site has been kept out of the hands of builders as elected members of Chorley council recognised that their policies had not been met by the application.

"The council also recognised the very valid concerns of the residents - and now the community group, including those residents and the parish council - will put together a package to provide a much-needed and well-deserved facility."

Coun Whittaker added: "I have been trying to point out to potential users of the site that we need the land for community use and hopefully the landowners will realise they would be better advised in giving the site to the community so that everyone can use it."

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