Plans are in the pipeline to turn a dormer bungalow in the middle of a car park on the outskirts of Ashby into a 78-seat restaurant.

Mark Dalby, managing director of Coalville Motors, has submitted a planning application to North West Leicestershire District Council for the change of use of Rotherwood Bungalow, in Smisby Road.

The application includes modernising and extending the property - providing storage, customer toilets and additional seating space - adding a balcony with seating for 16 alfresco diners and car parking.

The proposed restaurant, which would create four full-time and eight part-time jobs, has received a mixed response.

Eleven residents have written to the local authority - six supporting the plans and four objecting. Ashby Town Council recently supported the scheme in principle and three businesses at the neighbouring Ivanhoe Business Park and another firm in the town are also backing the proposed restaurant.

A document supporting the application explains that other town locations had been considered but 'no other suitable and available sites' met the proposal requirements.

"The existing bungalow is clearly residential in its character and appearance yet occupies an unusual position set within a large car park.

"Currently, the bungalow sits neither within context with the neighbouring residential development or the neighbouring fitness gym; and has an almost island-like relationship with the surrounding development.

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"The design alters the appearance of the building to reflect the new use.

"It is proposed that the restaurant will provide 78 covers with the added potential for outdoor dining.

"Thirty car parking spaces are proposed to serve staff and customers to the restaurant.

"Careful consideration has been given to the proposal to deliver a high quality development in design terms and to minimise impacts on residential amenity," adds the document.