Plans to convert an Ashby town shop unit into a two-bedroom house, have been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council.

An application has been made for a change of use of ground floor from Commercial, Business and Service to a two storey two-bedroom dwelling.

The unit was formerly home to Alexanders estate agent which has since moved to premises in Market Street.

An unsuccessful vaping business vacated the shop after only six months.

A planning statement from Andrew Large Surveyors Ltd says: "The property has been vacated by the previous tenant following the tenancy being ended by the tenant after only six months.

"Prior to this, the property was marketed for over six months, with the only interested party being the failed tenant (a vape shop).

"The property is no longer seen as a viable commercial property for a range of reasons."

Among the reasons given are the small size of the building, footfall in the area, and the lack of parking and disabled access.

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The applicant feels the property would be better served as a house.

Alexanders once occupied the unit on The Green. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

The statement adds: "The proposed development does not propose any changes to the plan form of the building, with the only amendments to the elevations being the removal of the shopfront fascia and replacement of the ground floor window.

"The building appears to be structurally sound and does not require strengthening work. The submitted proposed plans show how the building will operate as a dwelling, which is typical of a terraced house of this age and its layout is evident in the locality."

The statement explains why the property should no longer be considered as a viable, business unit.

It also provides support from estate agent Howkins and Harrison, which supports the plans.

It says: "The application is submitted alongside a letter from a local estate agent who specialises in commercial real estate in Ashby and the surrounding area, providing their opinion on the viability of the subject property for various commercial uses, as well as residential.

"In short, due to the property's minimal size, its location away from the main footfall of Ashby de la Zouch on Market Street, and its lack of reserved parking, it is not viable as a commercial property long term, be it retail, café/restraint or office use."

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