A coffee shop chain is set to move into the site once occupied by a Market Street bank.

Coffee #1 has applied to North West Leicestershire District Council for planning permission to refurbish the shop unit that was once the Ashby branch of Lloyds Bank - which closed two and a half years ago.

It has also applied for a pavement licence as well as alterations to the shop front, including a new recessed entrance doorway and door and new paint finish to existing window frames at the property at 44, Market Street.

If permission is granted, it will add to a number of food and drink outlets in Ashby town centre.

A cover letter with the planning application, on behalf of Coffee #1 says the 'proposed development represents a considerable investment that will create new employment opportunities and numerous wider benefits to Ashby de la Zouch'.

The letter adds: "The applicant, Coffee #One Limited, is a regional coffee operator with stores in Loughborough Coventry and Birmingham.

Lloyds Bank in Ashby closed two and a half years ago. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"The company prides itself on the excellence of its coffee and the high-quality design of its stores.

"This approach has been acknowledged by the awards won by Coffee #1 over the years.

"The alterations to the store that require planning permission are minor and relate to the painting of the shopfront and the addition of facia and projection signage detailed with the accompanying advert application.

"It lies within an end-of-terrace building that provides three separate units on the ground floor. It is a three-story red brick building with a modest area of a carpark to the rear.

"The adjacent units are occupied by independent salons to the left, with a now-closed post office to the right.

"With regard to design, the Council will support proposed developments that are well designed and should have regard to sustainable design and construction methods. It is considered that the design proposed within this application is an example of high-quality design but is sympathetic to the Ashby conservation area.

"Town centre development confirms that the Council will support retail and main town developments within centres."

A public consultation on the plan will run until Thursday, January 2. NWLDC said a target decision date has been set for Tuesday, January 21.