PLANS to turn a vacant building into a bar on North Road have been granted permission by St Helens Council.

The plans to convert the ground floor of 25 North Road into the venue, while retaining the first floor flat, had received two letters of objection.

Concerns were raised over potential "late night noise, possible confrontations, smoking, possible drug activity in the dark back entry" with worries the impact could be "prejudicial to health and a nuisance".

The planning application stated "the proposal will fit in with the surrounding retail, food and licensed outlets in the area".