A PLANNING application to make alterations to the shopfront of a former supermarket unit aimed to be brought "back into use" has been approved.

Proposals were sent to the council’s planning department by London & Cambridge Investment Ltd for the former Jack’s on Four Acre Lane, Clock Face.

A design and access statement, drawn up by planning consultants D2 Planning, said: "The current application relates to the vacant Jack’s supermarket unit."

The statement added it sets out to explain "the design principles and concepts that have been applied" to the amount of floorspace; layout; design, and appearance.

A graphic showing the existing elevations and block plans for the unit have been included in the application.

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It added: "The proposed shop front of the unit would bring back into use the vacant premises and add to the vitality and viability of the existing local centre and will be respectful of the character and appearance of its wider context.

"In summary, it is considered that the grant of planning permission is justified given the design approach that has been undertaken in the formulation of the scheme proposed". 

The Jack's supermarket, which launched at the site in October 2018, was closed in 2022.

In July that year, planning permission was granted to subdivide the unit into two, and in January 2023 planning permission was granted for a new shopfront and external alterations to the side elevation.

The latest application for alterations to the shopfront did not identify any proposed tenants of the units.

St Helens Star: The council approved the plans for the alterationsThe council approved the plans for the alterations (Image: St Helens Star)

Recommending approval of the latest plans, case officer Alex Ball said in a report: "The proposed double sliding door opening will have a similar appearance to the existing door opening further along the fascia of the building."

It added: "Given the nature of the proposal, I do not consider that the proposed alterations to shopfront would result in any significant harm to the amenities to adjacent land uses caused by overlooking, overshadowing or overbearing".

Approval was granted.