PLANS to turn a property into a retail shop which sparked objections from some residents have been given the go-ahead.

An application which asked for permission to turn a "ground floor flat" at 97 High Street, Newton-le-Willows into a shop,with associated shop front alterations, was submitted to St Helens Council in April.

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The plans, submitted by applicant Marcus Sandy, received five letters of objection by residents.

Among concerns cited were worries over parking.

One said: "As a resident of the High Street there are so many issues with parking for residents, I think another shop would make it even worse for parking".

Despite the objections, the proposals were given approval by planning officers.

An officer's report said: "The proposed use of the building for retail would support economic development".

It said the proposed shop "would be located in between two existing commercial premises and therefore not appear out of character with the area".

It added the application raised no concerns from the Conservation Officer "as it is a characteristic of the High Street to find former residential properties converted into commercial use".

In terms of the highway, the officer noted "many of the expected clientele are likely to be based locally, and arrive on foot and the location is deemed to be accessible, in terms of its proximity to good public transport links".

While acknowledging the shop is likely to cause "increased levels of vehicle parking" there were not deemed to be any "significant highway implications".