A scheme for new Coalville homes designed to 'promote healthy living and social interaction' have been given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council.

Plans were submitted last year for a total of 22 affordable houses and maisonettes at Workspace 17, Highfield Street.

Outline planning permission was granted for the site five years ago.

But Leicester firm, Modus Partnerships, intends to redevelop the area on land which was formerly an industrial site.

A report sent to the District Council says: "The revised proposal will provide affordable housing.

"There is a need to continue to deliver a range of affordable homes in sustainable locations.

"The Council has a social responsibility to aid the delivery of affordable dwellings, particularly as there is a positive presumption in favour of residential development."

"The proposed development would provide 10 one-bed maisonettes, six two-bed, four person, houses and six three-bed, five person, houses."

Now, the District Council has given the green light for work to start.

A council officer's report says: "The application site is currently vacant, following the demolition of the office and industrial premises which formerly stood on the site, and is to the immediate south-west of land which is being developed by Leicestershire County Council for a single storey, three-bedroom, children's home and single storey office.

"All of the dwellings to be created are proposed to be affordable dwellings consisting of 10 x 1 bed maisonettes; 6 x 2 bed houses and 6 x 3 bed houses. All of the dwellings would be two-storey in height."

There was an objection from Cllr John Geary - Ward Member for Snibston South - on the following grounds:

• The County Council had previously suggested and agreed that the application site would be ideal for older persons single storey housing.

• The proposal will greatly increase traffic on an already busy road.

• The proposed design of the scheme is poor.

Leicestershire County Councillor, Craig Smith, also objected saying:

"The construction practices adopted by the contractor appointed to construct the children's home and office permitted by Leicestershire County Council were not acceptable, as inconsiderate parking was undertaken by construction vehicles, construction work was undertaken outside of consented hours and roads were closed without consent which resulted in legal action against the contractor. Thereby what assurances would be in place to ensure the contractor of the proposed development adhered to the planning conditions imposed?"