PLANS have been submitted seeking permission to demolish a training tower at the former Parr Stocks Fire Station to enable a housing development at the site.

The former St Helens Community Fire Station at Parr Stocks closed as part of a merger for the new "super station" which has opened at the former Pilkington land off Milverny Way, St Helens - close to Ravenhead Retail Park.

The Star reported that the building was placed on the market last year.

The sale of the site was delayed in November so it could be used as a COVID-19 testing centre until the sale was completed this month.

Now a planning application has been submitted to St Helens Council by developers Gradan Homes Ltd.

The development firm had submitted proposals to demolish the former Raven Hotel building on Church Street in St Helens town centre and replace it with a block of flats, but these were refused permission by the council's planning committee last September.

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The plans are for demolition of a fire station training tower to the back of the station.

Proposals state this is to "enable a new housing development to be built" with the site to be "redeveloped for residential use".

They add that demolition works are expected to take place from March 8 to April 16 this year.

Further details of the future proposed residential development at the site have not been outlined in the application.

Standard consultation of the plans to the public lasts until Wednesday, March 17, with a determination deadline set for March 19.