Home Bargains has been given the go-ahead to move into the former Co-op store in Bridge Road in Coalville - in a move described as 'bringing life' back to the area.

A planning application was made last July by Liverpool-based T J Morris Limited - which operates as discount store Home Bargains across the country,

The company said in a report to the council that it wants to raise its profile in the town.

Home Bargains' application says it plans: "Reconfiguration and refurbishment of existing retail unit, comprising external alterations, including new shop front and customer entrance feature, trolley corral, revised parking layout, external display area, secure compound with forklift truck shed and associated works - Leicestershire Co Op Superstore, Bridge Road, Coalville."

The company already has a branch in Coalville - situated in the Belvoir Shopping Centre .

T J Morris Ltd told the council that this scheme will create jobs - as well as keeping the Bridge Road building open as a retail outlet.

Home Bargains says it wants to take over from two retailers - Iceland and New Life - when their leases at the site run out.

The plans also explain that the company would demolish part of the current building which was vacated by the Co-op two and half years ago due 'decline in sales'.

Coalville councillor John Legrys offered his support for the plan in a letter to North West District Council.

He said: "As Ward Member I welcome this application as it will bring life back into a corner of Coalville Town Centre that lies semi-derelict, litter and prone to anti-social behaviour issues.

"I welcome that a retail entrepreneur is willing to make the investment to reactivate the site, improve outlook with renewed cladding and other improvements."

A further report submitted to the council by Home Bargains says there would be 'an external ancillary garden centre' as well as the reconfiguration of the internal layout and car park.

In its letter to North West Leicestershire planners, Home Bargains added: "The site is a well-established retail destination within Coalville, currently in use as a subdivided retail unit with two occupiers on expired or soon to be expired leases.

"Iceland occupies most of the floorspace and has a lease expiry in August 2023, and New Life who occupy a small part of the building and have an expiry lease.

"This application comprises a package of works that will reconfigure and refurbish the retail unit to suit the trading requirement of national retailer discount retailer, Home Bargains.

"The proposed works will allow the building to be refurbished to a high standard in order for Home Bargains to re-occupy this prominent retail unit.

"Home Bargains has a pressing need to strengthen its existing offer in Coalville.

"The retail use is well established and the proposals result in a significant reduction in overall retail floorspace.

Home Bargains already has a store in the Belvoir Shopping Centre

"The proposal is however significant in terms of the benefits that will be derived."

The letter gives details of how the development will be managed.

It adds: "The proposals represent a comprehensive refurbishment package, comprised chiefly of demolition of the rear third of the building to make way for an external sales area and secure compound.

"The existing unit will be re-roofed and re-clad along with delivery of a new entrance feature.

"Crucially, the proposals result in a 1,055 square metre reduction in floorspace. The unit will be reduced from 3,206 square metres to 2,151 square metres."

However, there were two letters objecting to the scheme due to the increased noise levels for residents in Scotlands Road.