The shop unit formerly occupied by Souk de la Zouch in Ashby town centre, is to re-open as a nail and beauty salon.

Permission for the change of use, at 3, Bath Street, was this week granted by North West Leicestershire District Council planners.

The application has been made by a Mrs Quang Thi Nguyen, of Jackson Street in Coalville - but no precise details of the new business are included.

A council officer's report says: "The application comprises of a certificate of proposed lawful development to establish whether a change of use from retail to a nail and beauty salon would constitute a material change of use and require planning permission.

"There would be no external alterations and the proposal would be limited to the change of use and internal works only.

"The key issue in this case is to consider whether planning permission would be required for a change of use from retail to a nail and beauty salon.

"The existing building was last used as a gift shop which has recently closed.

"Google Street view reveals that the application property has been a retail use for at least eight years and prior that it was a cafe type use. It would have been a permitted change from a cafe to retail."

The report concludes: "It is considered that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed change of use would be lawful."

Souk de la Zouch announced it was closing in January - and described it as a 'heartbreaking decision'.

The shop closed a month later - one of several to leave the town centre over the past year.

A social media post at the time read: "A combination of many factors have sadly contributed to having to make this absolutely heartbreaking decision.

"I am incredibly upset for Ashby that yet another business will be gone and valuable jobs lost.

"However, I will be forever grateful to all of Souk's loyal customers old and new, for supporting us over the last 10.5 years."