One of the oldest buildings in Oakham can be converted from a shop to a restaurant and cafe.

Paulina Kalitan of Brooke Road, Oakham, has won planning approval concerning Flores house at 34A to 34C High Sreet.

Her application to Rutland County Council promised minimal alterations to the historic fabric of the Grade 2 listed building with no alterations to the external facade.

The building was previously used as a shop, with an upstairs used as an office. Prior to 2011 the shop was used as a restaurant known as Flores Brasserie.

If successful, the new venture would open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 2pm on a Sunday.

Paulina's application continued: "To conclude, the idea for Flores House" 34A,B,C High Street, paying huge respect to the heritage of the building, is to run a chic and sophisticated - Brunchy Cafe/Bistro, influenced by British countryside Breakfast cuisine. Unlike pubs and evening restaurants, the place would be open during daytime and offer light, brunchy meals."

She continued: "The place was already run as Bistro in the past and doesn't need any structural changes or intervention as it has all installations in place.

"The sitting area can hold approximately between 15 to 20 customers in the peak times. This is the same number of customers that you can normally contain in a shop of that size.

"Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns, it is undoubtedly a very difficult time for shop- owners, which unfortunately are forced to move their business out of the Hight Street into the online platform."

Paulina added: "We would like to support local traders and bring people back to the shop in town and make their experience nicer by offering a tasty lunch and coffee in one of the oldest buildings in Oakham town."

Her application won the support of Oakham Town Council.

Rutland Council planning staff backed approval. They commented: "The proposal does not adversely impact on the setting or the historic fabric of the listed building whilst preserving the character of the area.

"Taking the above into account, it is considered that the proposal is appropriate for its context and is in accordance with [local and national planning policies]."