A scheme for a £4.5million development in the heart of Coalville has been put before North West Leicestershire District Council planners.

The council plans a part demolition, part new build and full internal refurbishment to create 12 new dwellings to the ground, first and second floors of the Marlborough Centre.

There will also be replacement shopfronts in Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road - with the loss of one retail unit in Owen Street.

The council announced the plans in February - and said the development would give the area 'a new lease of life'.

The row of terraced properties on the corner of Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road are to receive a full renovation under the scheme.

The council said earlier this year it would be investing £4.5 million to bring the building up to date, complementing planned work to Marlborough Square.

At the time, the council said: "The building has detracted from the area for some time, with peeling paint and vegetation growing from its masonry."

The council wants to redevelop the 'dilapidated' building in Coalville

Now, the plans have been submitted - with 12 apartment as opposed to the 10 that were orginally scheduled.

A Design and Access Statement accompanying the application also says that it includes 'the re-instatement of historic shop fronts'.

The statement also concludes: "The propsals would enhance the appearance of the site and respond appropriately to the character of the surroundings.

"The opportunity to redevelop vacant floors within a dilapidated un-sightly building within the town centre also provides an opportunity to reinstate the built heritage on this key corner site, bringing about a positive enhancement to the conservation area and the setting of other buildings.

"The site forms part of the wider scheme, to bring forward the regeneration of Coalville Town Centre.

"The Marlborough Centre is a prominent historic building that in recent years, has fallen into a state of dilapidation.

"The property is located within Coalville's Conservation Area. Whilst occupied at the ground floor by national and local retailers, the upper floors have been disused for several years and require immediate attention.

"The principle of converting the upper floors of the Marlborough Centre has already been through the planning approvals process.

"Permission was granted to the previous owners of the property for conversion to 11 flats in September 2017.

"In terms of informal engagement the project has been in the pipeline since 2020.

How the proposed apartments would inside

"The project formed part of an unsuccessful High Streets Fund application and the proposal to purchase the building and undertake conversion of the upper floors to residential units and heritage improvements to the exterior of the building was discussed with a number of local groups and organisations including:

• Coalville Community Action Group

• Coalville Heritage Society

• The National Forest

• The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership

"The intention to improve the Marlborough Centre building is underpinned by the Council Delivery Plan which focuses on 5 priority areas including supporting Coalville to be a more vibrant, family friendly town.

"North West Leicestershire District Council purchased the property in February, 2022.

"This statement has addressed all relevant planning and environmental considerations and the proposals are considered to comply with relevant planning policy.

"It is therefore respectfully requested that planning permission is granted."