Papa John's pizzas has been given the go ahead to open a branch in Coalville.

The national chain's new takeaway will be in the Belvoir Centre which is in the process of being redeveloped.

Coalville Nub News reported in July that Papa John's had submitted plans for the site at Unit 51 in the shopping precinct Pizza takeaway is proposed for Coalville.

Now, North West Leicestershire District Council has granted permission for Papa John's to move into Coalville.

An officer's report presented to councillors says: "Planning permission is sought for a change of use of the unit to a hot food takeaway including associated external alterations.

"The proposed changes would result in the provision of a food preparation area with cold storage and shop furniture associated with the serving of takeaway food on the ground floor and a food preparation room would be constructed with metal racking on the first floor.

"Although the application is submitted as a hot food takeaway use (and has been assessed on this basis), the planning statement indicates that this would be used by Papa John's as a proposed pizza collection and delivery use.

"It is proposed that the hot food takeaway and pizza delivery use would operate from 10am to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays and 10am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

"There is a large car park to the rear of the unit that would be used by delivery drivers, customers and staff as appropriate. The site is within the Primary Shopping Area."

The report added: "The application would result in the loss of a retail unit within the Primary Shopping area. Policy and that development for other main town centre uses will be acceptable where all the following criteria are met:

• They make a positive contribution to the diversity of uses on offer;

• The proposal, along with any committed planning permission, does not undermine the shopping element within the immediate area of the site;

• It would not result in a cluster or over-concentration of non-shop uses;

• It would not lead to a negative impact on the retail character and vitality and viability of the Primary Shopping Area.

"A takeaway use is a main town centre use and it is acknowledged in principle that it can contribute to the diversity of uses that a centre can offer, can serve the needs of local communities and can also provide an active frontage during the evening."

Coalville councillor John Le Grys raised a number of concerns which were addressed by council officers.

The report added: "As part of the consultation process Cllr Legrys raised several points.

"The first related to the barriers and the Agent (for Papa John's) has confirmed that these are being removed.

"In terms of the car park, the Agent has confirmed that there are two hours free parking available for visitors.

"The Agent also considers that in relation to the use of the public highway there are no elements within the application that would suggest parking violations would take place.

"A revised Planning Statement has been submitted to reflect the two hours of free parking.

"The Agent also provided details of the driver collection arrangements stating driver collections will take place from the public car park at the rear of the site.

"In conclusion, he principle of a new takeaway use in this location is deemed acceptable."