PROPOSALS have been sent in to convert a former town centre restaurant into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

Plans seek to create a nine-bed HMO at the former Charcoal Grill on Claughton Street, St Helens.

The plans include for the conversion of the first and second floors, with new second floor window openings and a blocking of a window at ground floor.

The application states it is planned to "use the vacant previously blocked second floor".

Proposals have been sent to the council by applicant Andrew Carter.

READ > Closure of bar over violent incidents upheld

The Charcoal Grill was of the town's most popular restaurants and closed its doors in 2018 after more than 50 years of trading.

The restaurant had been a constant feature of the town centre, aside from a brief closure in 2002, since it had originally launched in 1966.

A family-run business, the restaurant was renowned for its traditional English dishes and beef steaks and had been a favourite particularly among the town's older generations.

Standard consultation on the HMO plans to the public lasts until Tuesday, April 27.

A determination deadline on the application has been set for June 1.