PLANS to demolish a former church building and replace it with a three-storey apartment which attracted opposition from residents block have been withdrawn.

The proposals, which were submitted in May, sought to demolish the one-storey former Emmanuel Church on Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath and remove trees for the creation of an 'L-shaped' apartments building.

The planning application stated eighteen one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments would be created, along with 25 parking spaces.

Plans stated a number of developments of "similar mass and density" had taken place "within the surrounding area" and added the "the application site could be described as being in a sustainable location".

They claimed the development would provide "a good example in the re-use of previously developed land, which will contribute towards the borough housing stock without harming local residential amenity or highway safety".

However, the proposals sparked public objections with several letters submitted to the council against the plans.

Complaints included the proposed block being "too high and too large for the area" and worries from residents over a "detrimental effect" on outlook from their properties.

One letter stated a "number of properties on Elephant Lane are landlord owned and rented" and some are "poorly managed and badly neglected".

They also referred to the demolition of flats on the Queensland Estate to the rear of Elephant Lane because of "problem tenants" adding concerns that "the same problems would eventually occur because of the sheer overcrowding by the number of dwellings shown in the proposed plan".

The objector added they would have no opposition to the plan if it was "limited to one or two storeys".

Other concerns raised included the loss of trees.

St Helens Council confirmed on Tuesday, July 25 that plans had been withdrawn adding that if the applicant wishes to resubmit they should "first speak to the case officer to discuss amendments or revisions".