PLANS for a multiple-occupancy house which were refused by St Helens Council have been given the go-ahead on appeal by a government planning inspector.

A planning application to convert a former store on the corner of Brynn Street and Parade Street into a house of multiple-occupancy had been refused last November.

The proposals sparked opposition from residents of the area, with 10 letters of objection written to the council.

Concerns included potential anti-social behaviour and disturbance, noise, health and safety for a one-kitchen area and increase in parked vehicles.

One objector wrote: "At the moment, the area at the back of the building seems to be a hangout for people drinking in the streets throughout the day. This will undoubtedly in the long-term lead to potential disturbances both during the day and in particular on an evening.

"I feel that creating bedsits here would only exacerbate an already precarious situation".

The plans include bedrooms being made next to the party wall of the property at 2 Brynn Street.

In declining the application, St Helens Council planners said: "The development proposes a level of accommodation that would cause demonstrable harm to the amenity and character of the locality.

"To allow the proposal would be contrary to policy CP1 of the adopted St Helens Local Plan Core Strategy which states that new developments should avoid detrimental impacts on the amenities of the area."

However, following an appeal by applicant Mike Cosy, planning inspector Thomas Hatfield overturned the decision after making a site visit in July.

H said "a scheme of sound insulation" to protect the property of 2 Brynn Street from noise generated must be made and this would make the plans fit in with the St Helens Local Plan Core Strategy.

He added: "Whilst a total of 10 bedrooms are proposed, I note that only three of these would be located next to the party wall".

The decision noted the building "is in a highly accessible location" and that future occupiers "would be eligible to to apply for a resident's parking permit if necessary" adding "there is no evidence before me of high levels of on-street parking stress in the area".

He added concerns regarding the adequacy of the proposed kitchen facilities are outside the planning remit.