Old Coach House Inn, in Market Deeping, to be turned into flats after plans approved

Plans to convert a former town centre pub in Market Deeping into flats have been given the green light by South Kesteven District Council.

Business owner Paul Stanton, who lives in the Algarve, applied for change of use to convert the Old Coach House Inn, at Bridge Foot, into five two-bedroom flats.

The building was originally used as stables and a hayloft, before being converted into a wine bar in 1983.

It has stood vacant since it closed in 2018, and Mr Stanton said attempts to sell the building as a business had attracted just one offer which was later withdrawn.

The plans drew objections from Chris Pithey, owner of Linford's Traditional Fish and Chips, in Market Place, and former owner Paul Linford.

They believed the plans created parking and rights of access issues which would impact the business, named in the UK's top 50 fish and chip takeaways this week.

However, SKDC's planning committee was told these matters needed to be settled privately and were not a legitimate planning issue for debate.

Planning officers recommended approval with the condition work followed Environmental Agency guidance to reduce flood risk from the neighbouring River Welland.

All but one of the committee voted for the change of use.

Coun Helen Crawford said: "The owners have done everything they can to see it go forward as a business.

"I would have thought it would be better to see it put into use as flats rather than see it derelict."