A plan to build new homes in the car park on the site of a formerly infamous Ibstock pub has been withdrawn.

Luxe Property Ltd revealed its intention to build even more homes on the site of the Boot Inn in August.

The homes would have been based in a two-storey building in the car park area, with four two-bed flats and three one-beds proposed. The scheme followed initial proposals, put forward last year by the same company, to convert the former Gladstone Street pub into five apartments and one house.

However, the latest information on the North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) planning portal has revealed the car park plan has been withdrawn.

A reason for the move has not been given by developers.

The Boot Inn, which closed in 2021, shot to notoriety during the pandemic after its former landlord repeatedly broke Covid-19 rules by serving customers, and was handed a prohibition notice by officials.

Three punters were even found by Leicestershire Police hiding in the pub's cellar during one of eight reported breaches of the regulations, and were each fined.

However, the Hinckley and Bosworth branch of the Campaign for Real Ale group (Camra) said Luxe Property Ltd's claims the pub was no longer viable were "woefully inadequate" and there was still a need for the pub in the local community.

It added: "When The Boot Inn reopens it is imperative the existing car parking area remains available in order to maintain the viability and sustainability of this important community facility.

"It's loss would certainly make the viability of the public house as an attractive proposition more difficult."

Residents have also voiced concerns about the plan. Christopher Gray, of Gladstone Street, said the limited car parking was his many worry. Just seven spaces were included in the plans.

Mr Gray said: "A notable increase in parking around this area in recent times has made turning right onto Melbourne Road out of Gladstone Street become nearly impossible and dangerous at busy times of the day, so any car capacity overspill from these new properties into surrounding streets would probably increase this issue.

"Parking on Gladstone Street itself is extremely difficult even for short periods of time when unloading or loading due to it being a narrow one-way street."

He claimed current residents were already "needing to park" on nearby streets and that this had led to "altercations among residents". Mr Gray also said residents had been made aware of "inconsiderate parking" from NWLDC during bin collections.

Jacob Peach is also concerned about the parking situation. He said: "The proposed development is located on a narrow, one-way street that already suffers from a severe shortage of parking spaces. The existing residents frequently face challenges in finding parking, leading to congestion and occasionally unsafe parking practices.

"The addition of seven flats, without adequate parking provisions, will exacerbate this issue significantly. This will not only inconvenience existing residents but could also lead to greater traffic congestion and safety risks, particularly for emergency vehicle access."

Mr Peach also raised concerns over increased noise and light pollution for those currently living in the area, and said the new building will "result in a considerable loss of natural light for" and would "overshadow" surrounding properties, including his own.

The withdrawn planning application only covers the additional homes proposed for the car park.

The original proposal to convert the pub into eight two-bed apartments is still pending a decision from NWLDC's planning team.