Revised plans to redevelop the Royal Hotel in Ashby have been withdrawn.

The controversial scheme has provoked strong opposition in the town since the original application was made in 2019 by owners Oakland Hotels.

A revised plan - with artist's impressions - was submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council last January.

But that never went before district councillors in Coalville.

A recent extraordinary meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, to discuss the future of the Bath Grounds, suggested that a new planning application was about to be made by the Royal's owner Simon Dawson.

The Royal has been empty for four years

This is not yet in the public domain, but is thought to propose a number of town houses on the former hotel car park and Hastings Gardens sites.

January's application was for 'the erection of a 30 apartment terrace, office building, cafe kiosk and 69 bed care home with associated car parking access, landscaping and associated access amendments.'.

But those plans drew criticism from Historic England - while a district council report said that the development should not be permitted unless 'fundamental changes' were made.

However, that application has now been withdrawn with Ashby residents keen to see what will happen to the Grade II* listed building.

A letter, dated October 5, from the district council to Derbyshire-based Stone Planning Services confirms the withdrawal of the application and that no further action is required.