Specsavers has applied for planning permission to move into the former Dean & Smedley site in Market Street - which has been empty for the past six months.

The Ashby pharmacy announced in February that it would be moving out - and it closed its doors to customers in April after more than 20 years in the town centre.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council described it as a 'great loss' to the town.

But now Specsavers is planning to move in.

The nationwide opticians chain already has a shop in Market Street - but this would be a bigger site.

Specsavers has applied for an interior re-fit and front of shop signage at what is a listed building.

But it has been made clear that the conversion of the unit will be 'sympathetic' to the history of the site.

A design access and heritage statement submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council, as part of Specsavers' application, reads: "The unit is situated currently a vacant retail unit, and following relocation works it will trade as Specsavers, remaining as retail."

The statement adds: "The internal works proposed, are to fit the retail unit out for use as a Specsavers store.

"There will be no removal or damage to the external shopfront windows.

"There will be no structural alterations to the building.

"The shopfront will remain as existing. New shopfront signage will be one non-illuminated timber fascia sign, and one non-illuminated hanging sign.

"The works proposed are intended to be undertaken as sympathetically as possible replacing like for like or by enhancing the traditional aesthetic.

"Contractors will be made aware of the listed status throughout works, and will be instructed as to the importance of retaining all historical fabric as existing.

"The relationship between the buildings within and outside the application site will not change as a result of this application.

Specsavers already has a branch in Market Street

"The building's facade represents an important architectural feature of the old Market Street, and the history of the past retail hub that took place within Ashby.

"Therefore, the proposed shopfront signage should be sympathetic to the building and match that of the previous tenants and neighbouring properties to provide the site with design continuity.

"Any Internal works should not damage any historical fabric that remains.

"The proposed signage is essential as it will give the store brand recognition within the centre, and act as a wayfinding point for the general public who are visiting the store.

"The internal fit-out works are required in order to create the store layout that will allow the store to function and serve the community, providing important eye and hear care.

"The proposed works are minor with no major structural alterations to the building, minor shopfitting works only. There will be no stripping out / removal of any historical fabric or materials, and there will be no damage caused to the building."