A PUB building which dates back more than 150 years is to be converted into apartments after planning permission was granted.

The historic Legh Arms on Mill Lane in Newton-le-Willows, which was built in 1854, is to be turned into nine apartments and two town houses.

Plans were submitted to St Helens Council in February for the conversion of the former pub building.

Historic England made no objections to the proposals.

A planning officer's report said: "The council's Design and Conservation has raised no objections in principle to the proposal although some amendments were required to the scheme to ensure it is sympathetic and preserves the character of the conservation area".

It was added that "historic maps and images show there has been previous development of a similar scale in the location, therefore the development is not considered to harm the character of the conservation area".

The height of the town houses is to be "subservient to the main 'Legh Arms' building".

The report says the town houses will use the existing garden area for communal space.

It added there would be a 17-metre distance from windows on the rear of the site and the boundary of the garden at 19 Mill Lane which is "considered acceptable to ensure that garden area of this property still has an acceptable level of privacy".

Plans also include provision of parking and amenity space.

In approving the application, officers stated works must begin within three years.