Developers planning 11 new houses on the site of the Masons Arms in Donisthorpe say they explored the possibility of turning the existing building into homes.

But the Hertfordshire-based KMG Partnership concluded it would not be 'economically viable'.

Despite receiving planning permission last August for the development to go ahead, a fresh application was made in November so that North West Leicestershire District Council could consider matters of appearance, scale and landscaping.

In a planning statement, KMG said it was urged to look at ways to avoid the demolition of the pub, which has been closed since 2018.

But it said: "The Planning Officer was initially of the opinion that the demolition of the existing building was not favourable.

"We were therefore encouraged to explore the possibility of the subdivision of the existing building into a number of units.

"This was explored, and also a scheme with a number of new build units alongside the subdivision scheme.

"A viability assessment was undertaken which concluded the subdivision schemes, and new build scheme with the existing building retained were not economically viable.

"This was assessed by the local authority and they also concluded the subdivision scheme and new build scheme with the existing building retained were not economically viable."

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It means that the original plan for 11 homes will go ahead after being permitted by the council.

The planning statement adds: "Ten semi-detached residential units, and one detached unit which is intended to be the principle dwelling within this development, is proposed.

"The existing dwellings surrounding the proposed site are predominately constructed with a brick facade under a tiled roof. These material types have been implemented into our proposed development.

"We are proposing a housing mix of four two-bedroom dwellings, six three-bedroom dwellings and one four-bedroom dwelling as agreed with the Planning officer."

The Masons Arms is to be knocked down after a report last year said it was 'not viable' for it to be used as a public house.

Outline planning permission was granted for the scheme which first went before the council in 2021.

The planning application came just a month after the building, in Church Street, was taken off the market after being put up for sale.

Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe Parish Council said of the latest application: "Whilst Council recognises it is Building Regulations not Planning Regs that include electric vehicle charging points - these should be considered.

"Council also requests an agreement is set up for how to manage the development site including daily clearing mess spilt onto roads, addressing pavement and parking obstructions to highway and agreeing to address any damage to highway kerbs. Council also would like to raise concerns for activity on and around the development site during school drop off and pick up times from the local primary school."