Plan refused to turn listed building into flats

Planners were not sure how much damage the work might do to the buildings

A bid to turn a listed site on a Leicester city centre shopping street into housing has been blocked.

Plans were submitted to convert office space at 6-8 Market Street and extend the rear of the buildings, also currently home to a White Rose charity clothes shop.

The application wanted to create six flats across the upper floors.

But the work would mean parts of the Grade II-listed buildings would need to be demolished, said Leicester City Council as it refused the application.

The council said not enough detail had been provided on how the property would be ventilated, the conversion itself, and whether the plan would have a harmful impact on the listed building.

The 19th Century premises were at one time home to the Wolsey Tavern pub and a Berni Steakhouse chain restaurant.

The smaller property at number 8 was also home to Leicester architects firm Goddards, according to Historic England.

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