The Fox, Melton Mowbray

COUNCILLORS have approved plans to transform a historic Melton pub into 10 flats, including up to six almshouses for the poor, despite objections from their own officers. The Hudson’s and Storer’s charities had sought consent to demolish the rear wing of the Grade II listed Fox Inn in Leicester Street, to allow for the redevelopment of flats, and to convert the old bar into a retail area. English Heritage strongly objected to the plans. It said it was ‘entirely unconvinced that demolition is necessary or appropriate and the loss of the rear of the listed building will be harmful to the overall significance of the site, as well as damaging to the historic interest of the locality. It’s considered the loss would amount to substantial harm.’ Melton Council planning officer Denise Knipe recommended for the planning committee to refuse the scheme claiming the benefits offered (almhousing and market apartments) wouldn’t outweigh the ‘substantial harm’ the demolition would cause. The Hudson’s and Storer’s charities, which bought the pub at auction in 2011, said its aim was to ‘maintain the highest standard of conversion over the whole site’ and said the redevelopment would follow its ‘successful refurbishment’ of nearby shops (numbers 1-7 Leicester Street) to an ‘approved traditional style with enhances this part of Melton.” Melton Mowbray and District Civic Society supported the application as it felt the public benefits of the proposal outweighed any loss of heritage. It also welcomed the creation of energy-efficient town centre flats for the elderly. Planning committee chairwoman Pru Chandler, said: “We have to balance the pros and cons. We felt the type of accommodation offered is needed and, on balance, the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.”