Plans to build 77 homes at a site in Coalville town centre could be given the go-ahead next week.

The development is described as a wholly affordable housing scheme in Wolsey Road.

Tuesday's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee will discuss the application, which would mean the demolition of a second hand car dealer in the town.

Councillors will be told that the scheme is of 'significant public interest' and also 'an important catalyst in the regeneration of Coalville'.

A report says the site is currently vacant following the demolition of the Mitchell Grieve Needle Works in 2011 - with 'scrub' land existing in the western part of the site.

The site is within a predominately commercial area with a recycling and household waste site and waste transfer station, off Linden Way, being set to the immediate north-west of the site.

Originally the application sought consent for 84 dwellings, however, the council says that during the course of the application the layout has been amended and the overall number of dwellings reduced to 77.

All of the dwellings to be created are proposed to be affordable dwellings consisting of four one-bed bungalows; three two-bed bungalows; 24 two-bed houses; 42 three-bed houses and four four-bed houses.

It has also been proposed that a new access onto Wolsey Road would be formed with a pedestrian link also being provided onto Market Street.

The ability to access Baker Street and a potential future route to the Coalville Urban Forest Park from the site would also be proposed.

The council adds that the application has been brought to the Planning Committee at the request of the Strategic Director of Place as the application is of significant public interest and to allow the Planning Committee to assess a residential scheme which is seen as an important catalyst in the regeneration of Coalville.

No objections have been received from third parties, but a further consultation response is needed from the County Highways Authority and County Council Ecologist.

Councillors will be told that the key issues are:

• Design and impact on the character and appearance of the streetscape;
• Neighbours and the amenities of the future occupants;
• Highway safety;
• Ecology;
• Landscaping;
• Drainage and flood risk.