A public consultation is being launched tomorrow, 20 May 2025, and will run for 21 days, on proposed changes to car parking within the town.
A public consultation is being launched tomorrow, 20 May 2025, and will run for 21 days, on proposed changes to car parking within the town.
The proposed variation order would change the way the following car parks are used:
- Hallgate, Ackhurst Lodge and Yarrow car park – These car parks would become off-street car parks with long stay tariffs available seven days a week. This change would bring these car parks in line with other long stay car parks across the area. It also helps cover maintenance costs, and the money raised can go towards improvements such as better lighting and resurfacing.
- Arley Street – This car park would become an off-street long stay car park from Monday to Friday (8am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm), with a long stay tariff. This change helps replace long stay parking lost at Farrington Street and Back Mount car parks. Arley Street’s central location will offer a good alternative for long-stay parking, especially for town centre workers and visitors ensuring that they continue to have convenient and accessible long stay parking options during peak hours.
- Sandham Street – This car park would become off-street permit only car park, open seven days a week. Changing to permit-only will help prevent misuse by non-residents and businesses with permits have reliable access to parking. The income will also help with upkeep and repairs. This car park will be for eligible properties only and terms and conditions apply.
These changes are due to come into effect on 20 August 2025.
Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Alistair Bradley, said: “These proposed changes are part of the council’s efforts to improve parking across Chorley as well as making it fairer and more efficient.
“We want to make sure there are enough spaces for those who need them the most – whether it’s for shopping, work or living nearby – whilst also supporting the upkeep and improvement of our facilities.
“By introducing long-stay options in key locations and permit-only areas where needed, we are able to create a more balanced and reliable parking offer for everyone who uses our town.”
Residents and businesses can have their say during the public consultation by submitting their comments in writing stating the grounds for objection or support to Legal Services at the following address: Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP within 21 days following the date of the Notice (20 May) or via email at carparks@chorley.gov.uk.
More information will be available at Parking – Chorley with the consultation opening tomorrow, 20 May.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why are the changes being introduced?
Hallgate, Ackhurst Lodge and Yarrow Park car parks: To help cover the ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs for these car parks, ensuring they remain safe, clean and well maintained. The income can also be reinvested into improving the facilities, such as better lighting and resurfacing.
Arley Street car park: Designating Arley Street as a long stay car park will offset the loss of parking capacity from losing Farrington Street and Back Mount car parks as long stay car parks. Its central location makes it an ideal alternative for long stay parking. Ensuring town centre workers, visitors, and shoppers continue to have convenient and accessible long stay parking options during peak hours.
Sandham Street: Converting Sandham Street car park to a permit only car park will help prevent misuse by non-residents and visitors, ensuring parking is available for eligible local residents and businesses. The revenue will also support necessary maintenance and repair work.
2. When will the changes come into effect?
20 August 2025.
3. Is there any other free parking available?
Yes, on all town centre car parks except Flat Iron (1 hour free – you need to obtain a time of arrival ticket).
4. Which car parks will be affected?
Hallgate, Ackhurst Lodge, Yarrow Park, Arley Steet and Sandham Street.
5. How much will it cost to park?
Hallgate, Ackhurst Lodge, Yarrow Park
Up to 1 hour FREE (must display a time of arrival ticket)
Up to 3 hours £1.00
All day £3.00
Arley Street
Up to 1 hour FREE (must display a time of arrival ticket)
Up to 4 hours £2.00
All day £4.00
Sandham Street
12 months £100.00
6. Will there be any free parking available at all?
Yes, up to 1 hour FREE (excluding Sandham St)
7. How do I pay for parking?
You can pay by cash, via the MiPermit parking app, by telephone, website, or via text.
8. Are there any concessions for residents or businesses?
We will be offering long stay car parking permits, which work out cheaper than buying daily tickets.
See below for costs:
- 12 months - £400
- 6 months - £220
- 3 months - £115
- 7 days - £20
9. Will motorcycles have to pay for parking?
We have allocated motorcycle parking available on Flat Iron, Friday Street, Cleveland Street , West Street, Queens Road, Back Mount and Fleet Street long stay car park.
10. What will the money raised from these parking charges be used for?
The income can be reinvested into improving the facilities, such as better lighting and resurfacing.
11. Won’t this affect local businesses?
We anticipate that the changes will allow for even more people to enjoy the town centre and take advantage of our ample and quality parking. Most of the car parks will be free for 1 hour and £1 for 3 hours.
12. How was this decision made?
The decison was made by Chorley Council's Cabinet, after a review of car park strategy.
13. Can I appeal the decision?
Yes, any objections can be made to Legal Services at the following address: Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP or email carparks@chorley.gov.uk within 21 days following the date of the Notice (20 May 2025).