FOUR new houses could be created on land that stands behind a village pub.

A planning application to build two-semi-detached homes to the rear of the Red Cat pub, in Crank has been submitted to St Helens Council.

The applicant Punch Partnership aims to develop on "under-utilised" car parking land. The plans would see the layout of the pub's car park changed and decreased in size.

The applicant's aim is to create two pairs of three bedroom semi-detached houses, with car parking and landscaping. Access to the houses would be from the existing access point to the pub, off Red Cat Lane.

Plans state that the rural pub's building would not be affected, although the layout of the outdoor seating area would change.

The car park currently has 56 spaces but this would be reduced to 29 if the plans are given the green light.