PLANS have been submitted seeking a change of use of part of a business premises from the selling and displaying of cars to a flooring showroom.

Proposals have been sent to council planners to make alterations at the premises of Black's Garage, on Church Road, Rainford.

WJD Flooring has submitted the planning application seeking permission for the changes.

Plans state that "Black’s Garage currently operates as a car sales garage and forecourt with an MOT garage and store to the rear of the site, which is situated on Church Road". Meanwhile, "to the rear of the premises is a store and a commercial unit with a residential flat at first floor level.

"The site has a tarmac forecourt with associated parking and an entrance and exit to the site from the main highway".

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A design and access statement, drawn up by agents RJG Architecture says: "The proposed design is a 2.5m addition to create a showroom with glazing at the front providing a contemporary look of architectural merit, improving the existing frontage of the building.

"The existing forecourt will be used for the staff and customer parking with the existing entrances from the highway maintained and utilised as a one-way in and out system to the showroom to reduce any possible congestion. The proposed number of car parking spaces will be approximately six spaces for staff and customers."

Plans say "there will be no changes at first floor level" and "the proposed new use for the building will be of less visual impact than the current business as there will be less cars on the forecourt than with the current business".

Plans add "the MOT garage will remain in situ, with the volume of traffic remaining the same for the MOT business – which is booked by customers on an appointment basis.

"There will be minimal if any overnight storage of vehicles onsite by the MOT garage. The proposed works will have a negligible impact on the surrounding residential properties".

Meanwhile, the showroom "is to be used for flooring samples for WJD flooring as a space where clients can view different product types".

Plans say there will be two additional staff employed, and that the MOT business is separate from WJD Flooring.

They add "there will be no car sales on the premise".

The statement concludes: "The changes proposed to the property are minimal with the proposed addition being of architectural merit enhancing the look of the existing building and being non-imposing, with no detrimental effect to the conservation area".

The plans are on public consultation until Wednesday, September 11, with a determination deadline of October 8.