Plans for a new micro pub in Coalville have been given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council.

An application was made last year for a change of use from a shop to a bar-and-cafe - called The Rock - in Meadow Lane.

Now planning permission has been granted for the scheme which was submitted by by Richard Thomas, of Leicester's Blue Boar pub.

The property at No 97 Meadow Lane was the Simmy's Convenience Store which has been empty since early last year.

But the conversion would see the site become an 'old fashioned ale house' including the commissioning of a feature of granite around 500mm square and two metres high.

One face will be polished and on that face will be sculpted 'The Rock'.

More details of how the new bar is due to look can be found HERE.

A North West Leicestershire District Council report said that 'it is considered that the principle of the proposed development is acceptable'.

There were 11 letters of objection and 13 of support for the plans.

Supporters highlighted its impact to the community, provision for additional meeting space, increased employment opportunities, improvements to the visual aesthetics of the building and a lack of concern for parking on the basis that many visitors would not drive to the microbrewery.

Additional comments were also received expressing support for the application based on the reputation of the applicant's other businesses.

Objectors raised a number of concerns about the plan in relation to a lack of off-street parking, impacts on an increased demand for off-street parking in an area featuring parking controls with the potential for cars to block neighbours' accesses and utilise existing off-street parking allocated to neighbouring businesses/properties, highway safety and access concerns as well as an increased pedestrian traffic impact.

Other concerns were raised in relation to the principle of the proposed use, the lack of need in the area and the detrimental impact upon the residential area.

There were residential amenity concerns raised in relation to noise and anti-social behaviour arising from both the use and the outside seating area and its impact upon the living conditions on neighbouring properties.

Concerns over exposure to pollution for any users of the proposed outdoor area by virtue of its close proximity to the highway were raised as well as the impact on the value of neighbouring properties.

A number of conditions have been attached to the planning permission.

• That the proposed fencing surrounding the outdoor seating area be formed of high density close boarded fencing at a minimum height of two metres to reduce noise emanating from the premises.

• That no live singing or music (live, amplified, recorded or otherwise) shall be played at the premises;

• That there be no slot machines or other arcade games at the premises;

• That the outdoor seating area shall close at 10pm;

• That all doors and windows should be closed at all times from 10pm (Monday-Saturday) and 9pm on Sundays;

• That opening hours and delivery times be restricted;

• That acoustic insulation be fitted to the entirety of the internal ceiling and the entirety of the length of wall to the adjoining neighbouring property, as well as to the external wall of the beercellar;

• That no televisions, screens or other similar audio audio-visual equipment be used in areas to which the public have access.

The council's report concluded that "the principle of the change of use is acceptable. The proposal is deemed to comply with the relevant policies in the development plan. It is recommended the application be permitted."