PLANS have been drawn up for the demolition of the former Carmelite Monastery and the creation of 12 detached homes.

Sadness greeted the news two years ago when it was announced that the long-standing convent in Eccleston was to close to bring an end to a century-long mission of an order of nuns.

The Carmelite Sisters first came to St Helens in 1914 and became an established feature of Catholic life in St Helens, with the Green Lane site known as a haven of prayer, piety and peace.

St Helens Council received the planning proposals, submitted by Jones Homes, for the development of a dozen four and five-bedroom homes at the location.

Plans include the demolition of existing chapel and accommodation building. However, the lodge would be retained as well as the perimeter wall.

Plans say the wall would be lowered in parts to provide a uniform height and parts will be removed on Houghtons Lane to create an access point.

Following meetings with the local authority and a Heritage Assessment, plans for 12 dwellings with retention of the lodge were subjected to consultation with the public and local planning authority last November and December.

The plans say the development has the potential to bring a £200,000 New Homes Bonus Scheme to "significantly contribute to the local economy" and will create 50 construction jobs.

Applicants added: "The development will boost the supply of housing and make use of a site which has become vacant rather than it becoming a liability and attracting anti-social behaviour".

They say properties would be situated in the main away from the perimeter, therefore retaining existing trees to provide "a buffer to the development from the surrounding area".

It added landscaping on site is largely dictated by the existing trees on site and Woodland Management Strategy to "ensure the woodland character is retained".

They also say new planting in the front gardens will be "low level and colourful to prevent further shading and maintain openness".

Plans were received by the council on January 20 with public consultation on the application to last until Thursday, February 16.