A PLANNING application has been drawn up seeking permission to turn a former tanning salon into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

Applicant Rakesh Soni has submitted the plans to St Helens Council for the Ambiance Tanning Beauty and Hair Salon on Market Street, Earlestown. 

The application seeks permission for the "demolition of existing GF single-storey extension which comprises of tanning rooms.

"The whole development will comprise of five HMO flats for the local community, providing high-quality rooms at an affordable rental rate.

"This will be a change of use as it will be changing from a tanning salon to the five HMOs". 

A heritage statement in the plans said the unit "has been a salon and beauty shop within a residential setting and has been vacant for quite some time".

Plans add that demolition works will be "to the rear where the bulk of the salon is situated" and will be "reinstating the original look and layout of the rear of the property".

The application says: "The works are being done to provide much-needed accommodation to local people.

"The existing property is vacant and would be making internal improvements significantly to increase the life span of the property".

A standard consultation on the plans to the public will last until Friday, November 11.

A determination deadline has been set for December 16.