Plan to convert historic pub into shops approved

Plans to convert a historic pub in Coalville into shops have been approved.

The Stamford and Warrington Hotel, in High Street, closed in 2023 and was put on the market for £195,000, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The applicant, Alpha Asset Holdings Ltd, told North West Leicestershire District Council planning officers that it wanted to convert the pub into two shops and renovate the existing upper-floor apartment into two apartments.

Documents submitted on behalf of the applicant to the council said the renovation would provide a "more economically viable function" for the building and would ensure the property "can contribute positively to the High Street".

The pub was built in 1863 "in the first wave of development of Coalville", according to the Coalville Heritage Society.

The group objected to the removal of the two chimney stacks on the building and to the new shop name boards over the existing 'The Stamford and Warrington Hotel' sign – but did not object to the overall renovation of the building.

Keith Butler, secretary of Loughborough and North Leicestershire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), urged the authority to refuse the application.

He said: "Unfortunately, the pub closed following the death of the landlord in 2023, but it was hoped by the local CAMRA branch and regular customers alike that it would continue to trade as a traditional town pub, albeit in need of sensitive and appropriate refurbishment.

"The Stamford and Warrington could have a bright future as a rare example of a type of town pub that was once common, attracting visitors to the area as well as locals.

"As the number of public houses in Coalville has decreased considerably in recent memory, it would make no sense to lose this gem."

Officers approved the conversion with a number of conditions, which will allow council officers to review and control any proposed exterior alterations, finishes, or efforts to the building in response to the application.

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