An application to demolish a disused house in Ashby town centre has been refused because it is part of a conservation area and attached to a listed building.

The house is at the rear of Bird's Bakery which owns the site and is also to the rear of a site co-occupied by Johnson's The Cleaners and the Air Ambulance shop.

But while the house - in need of repair - cannot be seen from Market Street, its proximity to Grade 2 listed buildings has been taken into consideration.

And the owners of the Courtyard Cafe, which partly shares a wall with the house in question, say that any demolition would have an affect on their business which is also next to a listed building, 51 Market Street.

At a recent meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's planning committee urged caution over the demolition of the house.

Cllr Graham Allman remarked that more needed to be found out about the history of the building and added: "When it's gone, it's gone."

The Town Council objected to the plans and North West Leicestershire District Council have thrown the application out.

Ashby Town Council told the District Council: "The Planning Committee discussed this application and, after some deliberation, objected to this on the grounds of the building being situated in a conservation area, attached to a listed building.

"The Committee felt that demolition of this building would result in losing an important part of the character of the centre of Ashby and wondered if it is possible to restore this building for an alternative use?

"The Committee also noted the comments made by the owners of the Courtyard Café that the demolition will not be straightforward as it is partly attached to their building."

An original design, access and heritage statement had recommended the demolition goes ahead because of the structural issues.

The report said: "Not visible from Market Street, the inspection found the following structural issues:

• Crack damage in the masonry walls

• Extensive outward movement at the eaves level (major concern)

• Pronounced dipping of the roof slope

• Loss of support

• Water ingress

"No subsequent redevelopment is proposed. Following the proposed demolition, the site will be recovered to as to create a safe space.

"The building has evidently been vacant for a significant period of time, and its current state clearly renders it unviable for any safe use.

"Due to the outbuilding's location to the rear of the main unit, it cannot be considered to be commercially viable for any prospective user.

"Considering the benefits of demolition, this development proposal is viewed as being wholly acceptable

"The loss of this building is not considered detrimental to the appearance of the area. Moreover, the proposed demolition would potentially improve the appearance by creating clearer views of the nearby listed buildings - particularly 51 Market Street - and other, better maintained buildings.

"The applicant is seeking to demolish the outbuilding to the rear of 49 Market Street in order to avoid an uncontrolled collapse of the structure."

However, the District Council's recommendation read: "In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, based on the information submitted, there is no clear and convincing justification for the demolition of the outbuilding and in particular there is an absence of a financial viability appraisal to demonstrate the building is beyond economic repair.

"The demolition would result in less than substantial harm to the Ashby de la Zouch Conservation Area and the grade II listed 51 Market Street. This harm would not be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal and therefore the scheme is considered to be unacceptable."