AN Ashby flat once used for physiotherapy treatment is to be converted into an osteopathy and acupuncture clinic.

North West Leicestershire District Council has given the go ahead for a planned change of use 6, Bosworth House in South Street - which had previously been used as a physio's clinic.

The council says: "No external works are proposed as a result of this development. 

"This property is currently a ground floor flat which faces South Street. 

"The site is located within limits to development and is also within the River Mease Special Area of Conservation."

The application was made by Ashby resident Tianyi Jin and was submitted in August for the property which is opposite the entrance to Prior Park Road.

But the council officer's report also says: "A planning application was approved last year for the change of use of numbers 6 and 9 Bosworth House, South Street, from a physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic to two residential flats. 

The site plan for the new clinic in South Street. Photo: North West Leicestershire District Council

That was granted subject to a Section 106 to secure River Mease contributions. This application only relates to No.6 Bosworth House."

The report concludes: "The properties that would be most immediately affected by the proposed development would be the neighbouring flats within Bosworth House. 

"No objections have been received during the course of the application. 

"Prior to last year, the application property was used as a physiotherapy clinic which occupied a larger space within the building than the current proposal and as such some neighbours could be familiar with the use of this property as a clinic of a similar use. 

"Given the small size of the premises, the proposed use would be unlikely to generate any significant comings and goings that would be detrimental to neighbouring residential amenities. Furthermore, the proposed opening hours would be 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 1pm on Saturdays. 

"These appear to be acceptable daytime hours that would have minimal impact on immediate neighbours. Furthermore, the Council's Environmental Protection Team have no objections to this application."