Plans to convert an Ashby town shop unit into a two-bedroom house, have been given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council.

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

But a council officer's report said: "The application has been amended to address the Conservation Officer's comments relating to the installation of a window to the front elevation which would be replaced with a glazing bar pattern wide opening timber casement window and the addition of a segmentally arched head above the front entrance door. 

"The Conservation Officer has no objection to the details set out within the 'proposed replacement front elevation window' drawing. A condition is recommended to be imposed upon any consent granted to ensure that the shop fascia and pilasters are removed in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of the 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 unit 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. The applicant, a Mr A. Maidstone, feels the property would be better served as a house.