A plan to build five assisted living flats in Hugglescote at a busy junction was given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee last night (Wednesday) - despite warnings that it would cause 'mayhem'.

The proposal, at 2-4 Grange Road, involves the part demolition of an existing building, the construction of a two-storey extension and the change of use to five assisted living flats.

But a number of objections to the development meant the application was 'called in' by Hugglescote councillor Russell Johnson for discussion by councillors.

The plans were revised were following the original application last May.

The accommodation will provide five flats spread over the two floors, with three one-bedroom flats on the ground floor with one single and one two-bedroom flats on the first floor.

Each flat would have a bathroom and open plan kitchen/living space.

The proposal would provide accommodation for people with health/learning difficulties who want to live within the local community.

But Hugglescote Parish Council objected due to concerns over extra traffic in that area.

Four objections have been made raising similar concerns to the Parish Council.

Cllr Johnson told this week's meeting: "I was called to the site to find some guys demolishing the lean-to and asked them to stop.

"The site is an eyesore - but is this not what our village needs?

The site at Grange Road in Hugglescote. Photo: North West Leicestershire District Council

"The management plan is totally unacceptable. The cross roads has highlighted as a busy four-way junction.

"The limited access will not allow HGV vehicles. Parents with children will have step into the road.

"Does this council want to cause mayhem and a threat to life?"

But committee chairman Cllr Nigel Smith added: "It's excellent that we are putting people into a people into a position where they can lead as near normal life as possible.

"A few years ago, they'd have been put in a home somewhere, but now we're bringing them into the community.

"We're giving them a chance of a decent life and we should appreciate that."

A district council officer's report advised councillors to permit the application, saying: "The principle of the development is acceptable.

"The proposal is not considered to have any significant detrimental design, residential amenity or highway impacts.

"There are no other relevant material planning considerations that indicate planning permission should not be granted.

"The proposal is deemed to comply with the relevant policies in the adopted Local Plan and the Hugglescote Neighbourhood Plan."

The motion to permit the application was passed seven votes to four.