St Helens: Plans submitted to convert former Spex4Less into HMO

On behalf of applicant Matthew Helsby, from Billinge, O'Rourke-Designs has submitted proposals to convert the former Spex4Less premises on Bickerstaffe Street into a seven-bedroom HMO.

In St Helens, planning permission is required for HMOs that house more than six people and for the conversion of commercial properties.

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The family-run business spent more than 30 years in St Helens before relocating this summer (Image: Spex4Less) After more than 30 years of operation in Bickerstaffe Street, the family-run Spex4Less relocated to Ormskirk in August as its owners believed the business would be "unsustainable" during the regeneration works in St Helens town centre.

The HMO application follows a trend of submissions in St Helens, with the properties often used to help meet housing demands and offer cheaper alternatives than the private rental market.

If the HMO application is approved by St Helens Council, external alterations and extensions will be needed to expand the building so it can accommodate for seven residents.

Internal alternations will provide seven individual bedrooms along with shared communal facilities such as a kitchen, living space, and bathroom.

There will also be improvements to the building's front and main entrance, while waste and recycling areas will be located discretely to the rear shared yard. There will be no dedicated off-street parking provided.

The HMO would need internal and external alterations as well as extensions to the building (Image: O'Rourke Designs) The application states: "The proposed change of use is consistent with the broader trend of diversification in St Helens town centre.

"With many commercial premises being converted to residential use, the introduction of an HMO at this location is appropriate and will contribute to meeting the local need for affordable housing. The building’s external alterations will respect the surrounding architectural styles and will not significantly alter the overall appearance of the street.

"The site’s location in the town centre provides excellent access to public transportation, with St Helens Central train station and several bus routes within walking distance.

"The development will encourage sustainable travel modes, with residents likely to rely on walking, cycling, or public transport. Secure cycle storage will be provided, and the lack of parking provision reflects the site’s sustainable location.

"The proposed development at 7 Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens, represents a positive contribution to the area’s housing stock, providing much-needed shared accommodation in a highly sustainable location.

"The design respects the character of the surrounding area and ensures that the building will remain an attractive part of the town centre streetscape.

"The external alterations have been designed to be sympathetic to the building’s existing architectural style, and the internal layout has been optimised to meet modern HMO standards.

"Access to the building will be maintained and improved where necessary, ensuring the development is accessible, sustainable, and well-integrated into the surrounding area."