A VEHICLE repair, maintenance and storage facility which could create 200 jobs is to be created at the former Ravenhead Glassworks site.

Plans submitted by SMH Fleet Solutions and Hudson Kapel in November have been given the nod by St Helens Council for the disused site.

Applicants say the development will create 125 full-time roles and 75 part-time jobs.

Plans include construction of a new workshop building, along with ancillary offices to be used for vehicle inspection, repair and refurbishment.

A new security gate house would also be created with existing areas of hardstanding for vehicle storage and staff parking to be retained.

Plans say "123 staff car parking spaces and appropriate amount of service provision have been incorporated".

Works including drainage, landscaping and boundary treatments will also be undertaken.

Hudson Kapel have been in the motor industry since 1993, and operates from six sites in Worcester, Bedford, Thurleigh, Bolton, Throckmorton and Gloucester.

In 2015 a merger with SMH took place to expand its service offering.

The application states: "The proposed development will provide a new modern facility for the repair, predelivery inspection (PDI) and storage of vehicles at the former Ravenhead Glass site.

"The development will be occupied by SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd (SMH), who will use

the site to expand their business and use it as a hub for their North West business".

In the planning application, the company describe themselves as "recognised by the UK motor industry for their trusted reputation and for consistently delivering the highest standards in vehicle management and logistics".

They added: "We are experts in providing vehicle management and ancillary services to car manufacturers, contract hire and leasing companies, motor dealers and major fleet operators".

Plans, which had received one letter of objection , were given the nod by planning officers.