Derelict hosiery factories to be turned into 25 flats

Proposals to turn two former hosiery factories in Hinckley into apartments have been given the go ahead.

The Ghia Hosiery and the Puffer Hosier Works off Upper Bond Street are set to be turned into 21 one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom flats after planning permission was granted by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council on Thursday.

Documents submitted by a council planning officer said the site was a "highly sustainable location" for flats and that the proposal would "preserve the character and heritage significance of the historic building [s]".

They added that both buildings were "in a state of noticeable disrepair" and had been vacant for "several years".

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant Miles Stephenson of Fortress Eight Limited said the site had been targeted by vandals in the past.

One document said: "There is a large structural challenge to be dealt with along Upper Street where the floors have collapsed into the basement.

"There is a large tree growing from the roof within the yard which is forcing water into the main building.

"It is in urgent need of regeneration."

The Ghia building was erected at the end of 19th Century, while the Puffer building was built later in the early 20th Century.

The proposals will see 25 covered cycle parking spaces and five motorcycle spaces created.

No off-street parking is provided as part of the proposal, documents added.

A section 106 agreement will also see a contribution to health services of £16,472 paid by the developer.

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