A TOWN centre cafe could be transformed into an American fast food sandwich shop.

Plans to refit Lancashire Tea Rooms, on Bridge Street, and turn it into a Subway have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council.

If approved, Subway would relocate from its current home on Bridge Street, with the restaurant franchise currently based yards from its potential new site.

A spokesman confirmed the original store will close if the plans are approved.

It would also increase the number of fast food retailers in that part of Bridge Street, with burger joints McDonald's and Burger King a few metres away.

If plans are approved, work on the listed building would see equipment – including air conditioning condensers – installed, as well as new signage fitted.

The design and access statement stated blueprints for the sandwich store ‘will assist in the long-term preservation and viable use’ of the listed building.

It said: “This application proposes to refit the store as a Subway sandwich shop, with a customer area and serving areas on the ground floor.

“The site is located within the town centre of Warrington and has good access to public transport facilities.

“The existing unit currently utilises air conditioning.

“The existing condensers are mounted on the rear elevation low down to keep visibility to a minimum.

“These units are old and require replacing with modern, energy efficient models. The proposed use of the retail unit requires the installation of air conditioning systems to keep the temperature at a pleasant level.

“In order to operate these systems there is a requirement for three condensers to be sited at the back of the building in similar locations to the existing units.”

Planning documents also confirmed ‘no original fabric of the building will be demolished or damaged’ as a result of any work.

A 56-day determination has been placed on the application.

It expires on May 17.