Memorial recognising women in war at St Helens Town Hall, St Helens

What was proposed

A Portland limestone memorial would recognise women’s contribution during war and conflict, with inscriptions on three sides.

“The proposal is for the installation of a new commemorative memorial to acknowledge the contribution of women during war and times of conflict. The memorial base would measure 1.2 metres in width, with a concealed sub‑base installed beneath ground level to provide structural support. The memorial would then have a width of 0.54 metres and a height of 1.4 metres and would incorporate a tapered upper profile.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The memorial would stand on grass beside the Town Hall entrance in Victoria Square Conservation Area, separate from the Cenotaph and near listed buildings.

“The application site is located on the grassed area to the right of the main entrance to St Helens Town Hall, within Victoria Square, and sits within the civic setting of the Town Hall but lies separate from the existing St Helens Cenotaph. To the west of the proposal site is the Grade II* listed Statue of Queen Victoria and Grade II listed pair of K6 Telephone Kiosks Flanking the Steps to the Town Hall.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Officer and Coal Authority raised no objection; Historic England offered no advice, and two organisations made no comments.

“Conservation (26.03.2026): No objection. No harm or loss of significance to the contribution made by the setting to the nearby listed heritage assets, or to the character and appearance of Victoria Square Conservation Area and will not result in any harm to the setting of the NDHAs.”

“Historic England (17.03.2026): No advice offered. Historic England provides advice when our engagement can add most value. In this case they are not offering advice. This should not be interpreted as comment on the merits of the application.”

Officer report

Public support

Three representations supported recognising women’s wartime contributions and said the anniversary and location were appropriate.

“The application was publicised by way of site notices and a press notice. Three representations of support have been received and are summarised below:”

“The proposal would show recognition of women’s contributions in wartime. • The proposal recognises women’s essential work and support during wartime. • The 100th anniversary of the St Helens War Memorial is an appropriate moment for this recognition. • Appropriate location.”

Officer report

Presentation to members

The Major Applications Specialist presented the application, including aerial, site, photographic, plan, elevation and summary material.

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted with delegated authority to amend conditions, including a three-year commencement limit and approved plans.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: • Plan ref: AMCP 25045 01 Rev 1 - ‘Location Plan’ dated March 2026.”

Minutes