PLANS have been submitted to make alterations to the former HMRC building on College Street to enable it to be turned into apartments.

It was reported last year that plans to create 66 apartments at the site had been approved.

Plans included for 17 car parking spaces and 66 cycle parking spaces.

A follow-up application has now been submitted to the council seeking permission to make external alterations for the development.

A design and access statement says: "DLP Planning have been instructed by Empire Property Concepts Ltd to submit a full planning application for external alterations at Crown Buildings, St Helens".

The proposed development includes replacing all existing windows with double-glazed units.

On the side facing the nearby car wash, secondary glazing is proposed after a Noise Assessment Impact.

Coloured blanking panels are proposed, yellow for the ground floor, signal orange for the first floor, red for the second floor and wine red for the third.

Other alterations include new glazed entrances and postbox systems in place of the current entrance.

Plans state: "Overall the proposed alterations represent an enhancement to the building with replacement windows, acoustic fencing, and improvements to the amenity space and will result in improved living conditions for future residents."

The former Tax Credits office at the Crown Buildings on College Street was closed in August 2018 after it was axed under modernisation plans by HM Revenue & Customs.