HERE is a look at five planning stories the Star has covered during January.
Barrow Arcade
Plans for the conversion of vacant units to apartments at the Barrow Arcade site on Claughton Street were submitted.
The application has been sent to council planners by Paul Nicholson, of The Nicholson Group.
The application site building already hosts Nicholson Place, which plans state consists of 15 properties at the building.
A decision is expected on the plans by February 29.
Read the full story here.
Meanwhile, the Star also reported that a Thai boxer is seeking to convert a basement at the site into a wellbeing centre, due to open later this year.
Clock Face pub
Plans have been drawn up to convert a landmark pub building into a special needs school.
Proposals for the change of use, refurbishment and extension of the Clock Face Hotel building have been sent to council planners.
Plans aim to create a new SEND school for 54 students, with the project also including the demolition of outbuildings on the site, landscaping, parking and other associated works at the Clock Face Road location.
The plans have seen sent in by applicants Bright Futures Care Ltd.
The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Monday, February 5. A decision by planning officers is expected by March 5.
Read the full story here.
5G mast in Newton-le-Willows
Virgin Media O2 have sent in an application to St Helens Council seeking prior approval for a monopole on land to the back of Southworth Road Service Station, in Newton-le-Willows.
The plans are for a new 20.7m monopole, mounted with six antennas, one new EFF1 cabinet, two new EFF2e cabinets, one generator and fuel tank located within a compound measuring 6mx6m. Proposals also include for a new EFF1 cabinet and associated ancillary works. at the Southworth Road location.
The plans claimed "the proposal is not considered to adversely impact residential amenity as there are no properties immediately adjacent to the site".
The application is on standard consultation to the public until Wednesday, January 31.
A decision by planning officers is expected by March 2.
Read the full story here.
Ex-Frankie & Benny's unit
Proposals seek permission to divide and change the use of the former Frankie & Benny's restaurant, at Ravenhead Retail Park.
The plans seek to create two units, along with external alternations, with "advanced negotiations for half the unit" to be taken up by a "national bakery/café operator".
The proposed subdivision is aimed at "making the remaining space more attractive to retailers", stating there has been "very limited interest" in the unit.
The unit was previously occupied by Frankie & Benny’s as a restaurant until this relocated to Linkway West in 2018, and has remained empty since.
A decision on the plans is expected by February 15.
St Peter's Church spire
A planning application has been submitted seeking to demolish and rebuild part of a historic church’s spire.
The proposals for St Peters C Of E Church, in Parr have been sent in to council planners by Reverend Clive Doran.
The application seeks permission to “take down and rebuild part of the existing spire which is unstable”.
It states the “upper part of the spire is unstable as it has lifted due to corrosion of metal inserts” and that “structural engineers have reported” on the issue.
The church building dates back to the 1860s and is a Grade II-listed building.
It was described in the plans as a "living building at the heart of its community”.
Read the full story here.
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