Historic apartments could be new flats

LANDLORD accommodation at a former historic Hinckley pub premises could be brought back into use as apartments.

There are proposals to convert the first floor living quarters above the old Barley Sheaf inn, now successful Indian restaurant Silchar, into two flats.

The plans, submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, also include installing a new staircase to the second floor which has long since been unused and accessible only through a loft hatch. This space will be transformed into a two bed apartment.

With little outside space, no allocated car parking would be available to the properties but the applicants suggest residents could use council-run car parks either to the front or rear of the building on Lower Bond Street.

The scheme involves lit- tle alteration to the building - considered of historical importance by the borough council.

Changes to the first and second floor relate to the removal of partition walls and two chimney breasts - the fireplaces from which have already been taken out.

The building dates from the early 17th century. Used as a public house, The Barley Sheaf closed in 2006 before being reopened in 2015 as Silchar Indian restaurant.

Adjacent to the former Atkins’ factory, it is supposed to have the oldest vaults in town, dating back to the 1600s. It is thought the pub was once also known as The Barley Mow.

The application follows a clutch of similar schemes to turn unused office space above shops and businesses in Hinckley town centre into residential accommodation.