A new cocktail bar is to open in Coalville after being given the green light by North West Leicestershire District Council.

Buddies Bar was based at the entrance to the Belvoir Shopping Centre until last year because it was on the site of the new town centre council offices.

But now its owner has been given planning permission for his new venture at 22, Hotel Street.

An application was made to the council last June by Heather-based Adrian Freeman.

The premises was being used as the No22 coffee shop, but Mr Freeman now wants to turn it into a cocktail bar.

He said in a letter to the council in May: |It is apparent that Coalville has endured decline since the 80s, this is most apparent on our High Street. This has been compounded by the Covid crisis.

"Coalville Town has suffered from numerous public house closures, with many being converted into residential properties, this, in turn, has impacted on the gig economy of the town

"We propose to change the use of 22 Hotel Street from a licensed café, of which Coalville has many, to a micro bar

"We have identified a gap in the market for a cocktail lounge to add to the nighttime economy.

"We believe that offering the style of establishment would not only attract people into Coalville, but also keep them in our town rather than travelling to nearby locations such as Ashby or Loughborough.

"We are willing to take on an empty shop and invest in the unit to facilitate this exciting opportunity. We have the support of the landlord and the local residents of Coalville with over 1,000 followers on social media

"It is very close in proximity to a variety of restaurants and a micro pub, and we believe that Buddies lounge will be a welcome addition to the feel of Hotel Street."

A council officer's report added: "The proposed hours of use are 10am to 11pm daily and 12pm to 10:30pm on Sunday.

"The applicant confirms that an alcohol licence has been granted for these hours . No food will be served other than pre-packaged snacks.

"Noise insulation is proposed between the unit and the first floor residential flat.

"The internal floor space measures approximately 72sqm with space for 30 customers."

The report continues: "The proposed use would be open during the daytime and evening and would therefore continue to provide activity and vitality in order to support the viability of the town centre.

"The proposal would also bring a vacant unit back into use, and whilst it is not clear whether planning permission existed for the previous use as a shop/cafe, the terraced row within which the site is located provides a range of different uses, including three other retail shops and therefore the proposal would not undermine the retail appeal of this part of the town centre or the role, function and character of Coalville.

"There are no other drinking establishments within the terraced row, and as such the proposal would add to the mix of uses within the immediate locality.

"Whilst there are two public houses within 150m of the site, these are more typical traditional drinking establishments, and the cocktail lounge proposed would provide a different offer and therefore add to the vitality and viability of the town centre."