Plans to build three bungalows in a busy Hugglescote cul de sac have been refused by North West Leicestershire District Council,

Residents in Garfield Road raised a number objections to the scheme and there were suggestions that work had already started without permission.

The scheme, to the rear of the close, was proposed by the applicant, Barclays, of Bridge Road in Coalville, via an agent in Donington le Heath - and involved the building of one detached and two semi-detached bungalows.

But one objector said that 'upsetting and stressful' work had already been carried out.

The resident wrote to the District Council to say: "We were not happy with how the land was obtained by the said party.

"To find out after 17 years that you don't own the land by waking up to a bulldozer coming through our fence , destroying our orchard and all the top garden.

"As you can imagine this was extremely upsetting and stressful.

"The least they could have done was to knock on our door, give us notice and discuss the matter as it would have been more civil."

Other objections centre around access, parking and problems with refuse collection and disturbing local wildlife.

Hugglescote & Donington Le Heath Parish Council also made its feelings known to the District Council, saying: "The proposal is overdeveloped for three dwellings on such a small area of land and should be revised.

"On inspection, the developer has removed the tree boundary and well-established hedgerow adjoining the allotments. It would appear without the granting of permission.

"While the proposals allow for vehicle parking with one visitor space, the radius required is not sufficient.

"There is not sufficient space to turn vehicles around, and the current proposal will not work in practice.

"The plans indicate 5 metres of space; however, vehicle manoeuvres require six metres. How will individuals get in and out of their cars?

At the far end of the development, Plot Three does not seem to comply with Part B of the Planning Regulations for Fire Safety measures.

"The Council suggests the developer carries out a Swept Path Analysis to confirm they can accommodate the development needs.

"Planning Group members endorse the views made of other residents' objections to these proposals."

North West Leicestershire District Council refused the application on Friday.