Historic England has raised concerns over plans to redevelop part of the Shoulder of Mutton Wetherspoon pub in Ashby.

Last month, the Market Street venue announced plans for a refurbishment to improve facilities for its staff.

A planning application was made to North West Leicestershire District Council with a new air conditioning system also part of the scheme for the Grade II listed building.

Plans show the work will take place on the second floor of the Grade II listed building and the appearance of the building will not be affected.

The proposal is to remove the partition walls and cupboard-over-the-stairs and to insert a floor above the head of the staircase.

The alterations would form a staff room. It is proposed to insert partition walls into the existing staff room to form a WC and changing room.

But the council's Conservation Officer says that - after consulting Historic England - harm would arise from the removal of the partition walls and cupboard-over-the-stairs - and from the insertion of a floor above the head of the staircase.

The officer adds that 'harm would arise from the insertion of partition walls into the existing staff room'.

Historic England says: "The plan form of a building is frequently one of its most important characteristics.

"Partition walls are likely to form part of its significance. Staircases are also likely to form part of its significance, whether decorated or plain, principal or secondary."

The application went before Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's planning committee on Monday and it was agreed to support Historic England's opinion.

But the District Council says it has shown how the second floor may be altered without causing harm.

The building has a long history dating back to the 14th century and was originally a private house for a Yeoman farmer.

But the inn was first recorded in 1757 in the will of a butcher named Samuel Adams.