THE plans to transform the listed Rainhill Hall into a wedding venue and hotel have been given official approval by St Helens Council.

Developer and owner of Liverpool-based Signature Living, Lawrence Kenwright, purchased the historic building, also known as Loyola Hall last year.

A planning application, which was submitted in January, said the plans sought to convert the building into a "high quality hotel".

The Grade II listed building has a history stretching back to 1824 when it was built by landowner Bartholomew Bretherton.

The site had been used for spiritual retreats by the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, who purchased it in 1923.

However, its long-term future was put in doubt four years ago after its closure by the Jesuits, with residents setting up a campaign group to ensure the hall was retained and put to some sort of public use.

The building has since been used in partnership with Camelot for residential use by people who agreed to act as guardians of the property.

Proposals state that given the listed status of the building "due regard" was had to preserving the building and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.

Plans are for 14 rooms on the lower ground floor and a function room and areas designated to a spa and gymnasium.

The upper ground floor will contain 10 rooms with more space for a function room area and restaurant and dining facilities, kitchen, bar and a reception/waiting area.

First floor plans comprise of 19 hotel rooms, including the bridal suite for wedding events.

Meanwhile, the second floor will have four hotel rooms, with two staircases for access from below.

A planning officer's report said that "minimal tree loss" would be accepted but added "I would not support any further incursion into this protected woodland area".

Recommending the application for approval, the report added: "On a whole, the proposals work with the existing layout and takes advantage of the existing en-suites which were introduced during the Society of Jesus occupation of the building".

Speaking about the plans, Mr Kenwright said: “We think Rainhill needs that hall back.

“The development will bring about 70 jobs. This isn’t going to be normal, we are going to try and make this stand apart.

“The response has been 100 per cent positive, I don’t think there has been a single negative one," he added.