Historic home could become cafe and flats

A building that was once the home of a key figure in a historic Leicestershire rebellion could become a restaurant and cafe.

The property on Leicester Road in Loughborough was once home to John Heathcoat, owner of a lace-making factory that was stormed by Luddites, the 19th Century workers who destroyed textile machinery fearing new technology would mean the loss of their jobs.

It was also the headquarters of homeless charity The Bridge from 2006 to 2022, when the organisation found a new home.

The house is now the subject of plans by Vision and Co to convert the ground floor into a restaurant and cafe, with two one-bed flats above.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the applicant was also asking for permission to build a kitchen extension to support the restaurant and cafe.

A blue plaque is in place on the front of the property, marking it as Heathcoat's former home, and describing him as an "inventor and lace maker".

The Luddites attacked his mill in 1816, smashing lace-making machinery and shooting a guard.

In 2006, secret tunnels and an underground room were discovered at the property, with historian Tony Jarram saying it proved "Heathcoat lived in fear of his life".

Mr Jarram added: "He would have heard the violent Luddite attacks elsewhere and has taken the precautions to protect himself."

Charnwood Borough Council is set to consider the application, with associated documents available to view on the authority's online planning portal, where comments and objections can be made until 9 July.

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