Work carried out to save the 'oldest standing structure in Coalville' from demolition has been praised - as it has finally been given the green light to continue as a redeveloped 12-bedroom aparthotel.

An application to convert The Red House in High Street in hotel accommodation was made three and a half years ago by Mr Samsud Wadi of Leicester.

The scheme originally said it involved changing the use from a pub to a 'bedroom hotel' and house of multiple occupation.

Coalville Heritage Society raised a number of concerns at the time.

But last week, the Society supported the change of use, and the fact that the historical building would remain in the town centre.

However, it also mentioned that there were still some elements of the planning permission which had yet to be completed.

It also says in the council documents that some work was carried out three years ago without planning permission.

A council officer's report adds: "The focus of the replacement windows has principally been to those on the south-western (front) elevation with the Council's Conservation Officer indicating that such windows (which included three timber sash windows on the second floor) were replaced in the summer of 2020 without planning permission.

"Discussions since that time have focused on the 10 windows to the south-western (front) elevation being replaced with uPVC sash windows which the Council's Conservation Officer considered would demonstrate an 'enhancement of the conservation area'."

The Heritage Society's latest update on the scheme says: "The Coalville Heritage Society are grateful to Mr Wadi for his investment into the building and town that resulted in the retention and sustainable reuse of a significant building in Coalville. 

"There is no question that the building, which is the oldest standing structure in the town (dating from around the 1750s), adds considerably to the environment, street scape and conservation area and its close proximity to the Grade II listed Clock Tower Memorial creates a historic heart to the town and provides a pleasant environment at the centre of Coalville. 

"The intervention of Mr Wadi saved the building from potential demolition, and for that Coalville Heritage Society is grateful. However, the Coalville Heritage Society is disappointed that elements of the planning permission have not been completed and are still outstanding, which in our opinion detracts from the good work carried out on the building conversion from Public House to Aparthotel."

A planning statement for the development says the building will be used to cater for the demand of contractors and skilled workforce coming to work in and around Coalville.

It adds: "The building currently has planning permission for HMO for the seven rooms located above ground floor. 

"We aim to retain this to allow flexibility of usage to handle the business challenges of our times. 

"We are seeking planning permission to use the complete building, 12 rooms, as an aparthotel to cater for the demand of contractors & skilled workforce coming to work in and around Coalville. 

"The rooms will be advertised on Airbnb, Hotels.com and Bookings.com.

"Guests will book accommodation for both short term - from one night - and long-term stay of up to 12 months. 

"This will provide financial stability to the business and ensure its survival.

"Self-Check in will be by electronic means, cleaning and maintenance will be carried out by our staff. This is already in practice and working very well with 100 per cent positive feedback from guests."

The Heritage Society adds: "The Coalville Heritage Society agrees that 'the principle of the development is acceptable' and that "the proposal is also considered to not have any significant detrimental design, residential amenity, highway or ecological impacts. 

"In terms of heritage, it is considered that the less than substantial harm arising would be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.

"Therefore the Coalville Heritage Society supports the recommendation made in the report and is grateful to the owner, Mr Wadi, and North West Leicestershire District Council Elected Members, Planning and Conservation Officers for their diligence and determination to ensure the works carried out on the Red House are of high quality and create a positive appearance to the town, conservation area and heritage."

A council officer's report adds: "Whilst an assessment of the viability of the public house has not been provided as part of the application, it is considered that, as the site is in close proximity to two other public houses (The Snibston New Inn, Belvoir Road and Bitter and Twisted, High Street) there is an adequate provision of public houses in close proximity. 

"The proposed aparthotel use is considered to fall within Main Town Centre Use which is considered to be appropriate for its location.

"The proposal is also considered to not have any significant detrimental design, residential amenity, highway or ecological impacts. 

"In terms of heritage assets it is considered that the less than substantial harm arising would be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme."