The plans have been given the go-ahead PLANS to demolish a historic pub premises in Earlestown and create apartments in its place have been approved after amendments were made to reflect the historical character of the building. The plans for the site of the Railway Hotel on Railway Street, near to Earlestown train station, were submitted to the council last autumn. The proposed development was for 15 apartments, along with 10 parking spaces and associated landscaping. Torus submitted the proposals to St Helens Council's planning department. A design and access statement, drawn up by BTP Architects, in support of the planning application, said: "The building has been vacant for a number of years despite efforts to revive its original use or to find a new viable use.