A scheme to build 100 homes on land off Standard Hill in Hugglescote has been given the green light despite traffic concerns and the effect on neighbouring areas - including Highfield Street which has had problems with construction traffic and mud in the past.

David, Anthony and Andrew Frearson, and East Midlands Housing Association, applied, in February last year, to demolish the existing buildings on the site and build new houses with access, foul pumping station and associated landscaping and infrastructure.

The application had been deferred to allow councillors more time to prepare questions about the proposed development.

It was debated by North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee at Tuesday's meeting in Coalville.

The scheme was given the go-ahead, but not before a number of concerns were raised - with Highfield Street among them.

Cllr John Geary had called it in for discussion at committee level and he spoke to the meeting.

The houses will be built on land off Standard Hill. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

He said: "Standard Hill is a road with fast moving traffic and there have been quite a few accidents over the years.

"A few years ago, members of the planning committee witnessed a fatal accident where the car ended up on its roof.

"Cars do not end up on their roof at 40mph. It's a fast moving road.

"With this development, a total of 250 dwellings will have access off Standard Hill.

"To that end, I'd ask that the variable speed signs - that the developers have agreed to have put in - be erected prior to Heavy Goods Vehicles using the site, I'd like to see them up as soon as possible, to try and slow the traffic down."

A plan of the proposed site. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

He added: "I'm concerned that if Heavy Goods Vehicles serving this development start to use the Private Road then it'll deteriorate rapidly.

"I'd like a condition that all access construction traffic to the site for development traffic will come off Standard Hill.

"Also, I'd like to see wheel washing so that there's no mud on the road, but I believe that's a matter for Leicestershire County Council Highways."

Clare Clarke of the Pegasus Group, acting for the emh Group, responded and said: "Formerly known as emh Housing, the group was set up in Thringstone in 1946 by a homeless group of ex-serviceman and is a profit for purpose organisation - but the delivery of housing is as important as ever.

"Thirty homes will be available for shared ownership and will benefit the local community.

"We have addressed the key concerns, and no construction traffic will use the Private Road.

"The design and layout of the site has been supported by the council's urban designer and is in line with his advice."

But ward member, Cllr Catherine Beck, raised concerns about construction traffic.

She said: "I've listened to the residents of Snibston South and the hardship of construction traffic, generators placed next to people's homes and being woken early by heavy vehicles in Highfield Street.

"I would like assurances that lorries won't have to use Highfield Street again to access the Standard Hill site, as opposed to 'unlikely' in the report.

"A real concern for me is that some residents who may be elderly or disabled may well be isolated if they don't have a car and live on this new estate. The local bus service has been cancelled as we know.

A plan of the site which will see 100 new homes built. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"I also feel the speed limit all along Standard Hill should be 30mph. This will help prevent accidents."

Cllr Dave Bigby added: "The residents of Highfield Street have already had problems with construction traffic from a nearby site and are understandably concerned.

"Can we ask Leicestershire Highways that Highfield Street is not used."

The District Council officer told councillors: "I see no reason why vehicles associated with this development would use Highfield Street to acces the site."

But Cllr John Legrys added: "There is a great deal of concern here from residents of Standard Hill, Frearson Road and Highfield Street.

"I find it disappointing this parcel of land is now being developed when it was considered an area of separation between Coalville and Ravenstone as an open space.

"Also, if any damage is caused to the Private Road, then it'll be down to the developer to pay for it.

"But what bugs me is that we're building social housing in places where there are no buses."

Cllr Rachel Canny added: "It's disrupting to have a building site next door, but does that mean we don't allow this development?

"This is much-needed housing. I can only base my decision on the officer's recommendation - I say 'yes please', we could do with this social housing."

Cllr Ray Morris said: "This is a sustainable location for this development and maybe the buses will come later if the demand is there."