PLANS have been submitted seeking to install extra floorspace at the former Peacocks shop at St Helens retail park for a "prospective" new tenant.

A planning application has been drawn up by UBS Triton Property Fund for the installation of floorspace at mezzanine level at the unit at the retail park off Peasley Cross Lane.

In February this year, council planners had issued a certificate of lawfulness for the site of the closed fashion chain store, confirming that the existing use within Class E (commercial) and 24-hour operation is lawful.

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A cover letter in the plans, put together by agents Savills, says: "The application seeks permission for the creation of additional retail floorspace at mezzanine level within the existing unit A2.

"The proposed development is necessary to meet the requirements of a prospective tenant and ensure the floorspace returns to active economic use."

The document claims plans "will not have an unacceptable impact on St Helens town centre by virtue of its scale".

It adds: "The proposed development will help retain the premises as a positive economic use, contributing towards economic growth and productivity.

"Finally, the proposed development will have a series of positive impacts in respect of physical and economic regeneration. It will ensure that the floor space remains in active economic use and is expected to generate 11 FTE employment positions."

Plans do not specify at this stage who the prospective tenant is.

The application is on standard consultation until Tuesday, April 24, with a decision expected by May 23.