Plans to redevelop a former pub in Coleorton - and turn it into three new homes - have been given the go-ahead.

The scheme, at the Angel Inn site at The Moor, was submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council almost a year ago.

It attracted some objections - including from Coleorton Parish Council.

But the development at the vacant pub building was permitted by the District Council this week.

The application said it would carry out alterations and an extension of the former pub to create a dwelling, erection of two dwellings, alterations to access and associated works including demolition.

It sought full planning permission for:

• Conversion and extension of the existing public house to form a residential dwelling
• Erection of two additional detached dwellings (one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom)
• Alterations to site access, including the creation of improved vehicular ingress and egress
• Associated works, including landscaping and demolition of outbuildings. 

As well as the Parish Council objection, six third-party responses were received.

How the former Angel pub looked. Photo: Instsantstreetview.com

There were five objections and one of support. The key issues raised by objectors were:

• The site is outside the settlement boundary and contrary to local plan policies
• Scale and massing of the dwellings are out of keeping with the rural character
• Lack of local services and amenities makes the development unsustainable
• Adverse impact on the conservation area and loss of historic character
• Increased traffic and safety concerns related to the proposed access
• Insufficient measures to protect habitats and wildlife

But the District Council reponded in an officer's report and said:

• The appearance and character of the landscape is safeguarded and enhanced
• The proposal would be located in the countryside but it would not undermine the physical or perceived separation between nearby settlements given the sporadic character of built development in the immediate locality
• The street scene is characterised by built development and the proposal would consist of infilling due to the development proposed on the existing public house car park. It would relate well to existing development and buildings which are positioned along The Moor, and the site and proposed development form part of the built up area of the settlement. 
• The proposal would not materially encroach upon the open countryside.

The report addresses the loss of the potential future use of the site as a public house and said: "Consideration needs to be given to the loss of such a facility in the determination of the application.

"The Angel Inn ceased trading in August 2022, and the submitted viability study provides a comprehensive assessment of its operational challenges and viability. 

"It explored potential alternative community uses, but found no demand or proposals during the marketing period. The lack of local interest supports the conclusion that the site is unsuitable for other community uses.

"While the Angel Inn is historically significant as a public house, the submitted evidence suggests that its closure has not left a gap in community provision. The presence of nearby pubs ensures that the local community retains access to similar facilities. 

"The submitted evidence demonstrates that the Angel Inn is no longer viable as a public house, and alternative community uses have been considered without success. Furthermore, the retention of similar facilities in the local area ensures the community's needs continue to be met. As such, the loss of the pub can be justified."