PLANS have been submitted seeking permission to use an industrial building for the production of glassware for the health industry.

A planning application has been submitted to change the use of the former J K Philips Group building on land near to Saints' stadium and the recently-constructed Glass Futures.

Plans state the building, near McManus Drive, Peasley Cross, has been occupied by ‘J K Philips’ who operate a storage and distribution facility.

It is proposed that a new occupier will take over the building, ‘SINA Medical Glass’, who will manufacture and supply medical glassware such as vials and test tubes to the UK healthcare industry.

The plans state the proposals will help "re-establish St Helens as a globally renowned centre for glass production" and are in "wider keeping" with the area, which includes the pioneering Glass Futures research facility.

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A design and access statement in the plans states: "This proposed use is considered to be more in keeping with the adjacent Glass Futures R&D facility immediately adjacent to the site, and will help to further kick-start investment in glass-related industry in St Helens.

"There are two existing buildings on the site currently – a large brick-built warehouse with shallow pitched roofs, and a single storey flat-roof office building situated at the entrance to the site from McManus Drive.

"Both buildings will be retained in their current forms, with some internal modifications to suit the new occupier’s needs."

It adds: "In summary, there are no proposed external changes required to the buildings on site.

"To facilitate the change of use, there will be additional car parking areas marked out to areas of existing hardstanding around the buildings, which are currently utilised for HGV parking".

The amount of floorspace provided on site will not differ as a result of the change of use.

Plans add that new signage to the buildings will be dealt with by a separate future planning application.

The application says there will be a total of 22 new electric vehicle charging points installed to staff and visitor parking areas, with ducting provided to a further 10 spaces to allow for easy future installation of additional EVC points. A total of 30 cycle parking spaces will also be provided.

Plans conclude: "The proposed change of use is considered appropriate, in keeping with the character of the area and the wider vision around Glass Futures. 

"A use which is line with wider ambition to re-establish St Helens as a national and globally renowned centre for glass production and research."

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Thursday, October 19. 

A decision on the plans is expected by December 22.