North West Leicestershire District Council has confirmed that the bell tower at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Whitwick will not be removed.

The school has this week been given the go-ahead by council planners to carry out refurbishment and repairs to the roof.

But that was after amended plans omitted the 120-year-old bell tower's removal.

That was despite claims that the tower was 'rotten, dilapidated and failing'.

But a council officer's report said: "The application also proposed the removal of the existing bell tower.

"However, concerns were raised by the Conservation Officer and members of the public regarding the harm this would cause to the setting of the Listed Building and wider area. 

"Amended plans have been received during the course of this application which omit the removal of the bell tower. No works are now proposed to the bell tower.

"Two Third Party letters have been received from two addresses raising concerns over the removal of the bell tower due to its impact on the character of the area."

The report says the revised scheme would be 'in keeping' with the area.

It adds: "This application seeks permission for refurbishment and repairs to the roof. 

"The subject property is a primary school with associated land and buildings situated on the northern side of Parsonwood Hill, a short distance from the junction with Cademan Street.

Image: YMD Boon Ltd/North West Leicestershire District Council

"The application building is located to the north of the Local Heritage Asset, Holy Cross Church and the Grade II listed Old Convent. It is considered that the revised proposal would be in keeping with the general aesthetic of the area and would not be detrimental to the character of the site or the wider area."

An application was made by St Thomas Aquinas MAT, on behalf of Holy Cross Roman Catholic School.

The planning and access statement, accompanying the original application, said: "To ease the strain on the school and the main hall roof following several issues with the bell tower causing frequent disruption to the operation of the school and being a large financial burden which can be used to upgrade other areas of the school. 

"The structural frame of the Bell tower is rotten, the lead is dilapidated and failing, and this is a significant concern for the School and St. Thomas Aquinas Trust. 

"This is evidenced by a Structural Engineer's report. The scope includes the removal of the existing timber-framed, lead-clad bell tower and making good the pitched roof. 

"The coping stones along the elevations are to be repointed with a suitable lime-based mortar required to secure them in place as the majority are becoming loose and posing a safety risk."