Stork Inn, Billinge: Plans to convert and extend former pub site given the go-ahead

The application proposing the change of use, conversion, and extension of the site formerly home to the Stork Inn, on Main Street, into eight apartments, along with the erection of 18 apartments was passed by the planning committee on Tuesday.

The scheme also includes associated infrastructure works including car parking, creation of a new access from Main Street and landscaping.

The development plans comprise 26 apartments. There will be 17 one-bedroom apartments and nine two-bedroom apartments.

The proposal is for all apartments to be of an affordable rented tenure.

The eight apartments in the converted public house will comprise four apartments on the ground floor, including a rear extension, and four apartments on the first floor, including a rear extension).

Councillors met at St Helens Town Hall

These eight apartments comprise five one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.

The apartment sizes will range from 47 square metres up to 72 square metres in the retained/converted building.

The 18 apartments located within the new apartment building on the car park of the former public house will comprise six apartments on the ground floor, six apartments on the first floor and six apartments on the second floor.

These 18 apartments will be made up of 12 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units.

The apartment sizes will range from 43 square metres and 53 square metres in the new proposed building.

The proposed new building will be three storeys in height.

During the meeting, Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron – who is the deputy council leader – said "there’s a need for this" and that he would "totally support it".

He also told members that "we’re protecting heritage".

Meanwhile, Cllr Allan Jones said the former pub site is "looking very tired" and anything on the site "could be classed as a planning gain" because of it.

He added that he had "no problem supporting this".