VACANT land near to the town centre is set to become a vehicle storage site for a car dealership.

Halliwell Jones BMW on Winwick Road has submitted an application for planning permission to Warrington Borough Council in order to store up to 150 cars on the derelict space off Hopwood Street and Grey Street, by the Cockhedge roundabout.

Temporary consent for the former light industrial site - which was levelled and cleared in 2014 - to be turned into car storage is sought for two years, with CCTV and additional street lighting also to be installed in the area.

The proposed scheme follows what is described as a 'safety critical recall of various vehicles from within the fleet'.

Planning application documents stated: "It is proposed to use the land on a temporary basis for a maximum two-year period as an open car storage area for up to 150 vehicles.

"This is the worst case scenario, assuming a backlog of vehicles that cannot be processed by the dealership due to unforeseen issues.

READ > The shortlist for Warrington's Perfect Pet Care Provider

"It is anticipated that a maximum of 70 to 80 vehicles will be stored at any one point, with typically 15 to 20 vehicle movements per day."

A consultation on the plans runs until Thursday, April 18.