Councillors have voted unanimously to allow a new leisure facility and 28 one-bedroom apartments to be built in Coalville town centre.

The scheme - which was described as a 'golden opportunity' and would provide employment in the area - was given the go-ahead at North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee last night (Tuesday).

Gylo, the owner of Coalville's Belvoir Shopping Centre, submitted plans for the new leisure complex and flats, in Belvoir Road, last year.

The full application is for the construction of 28 one-bedroom residential apartments with associated communal areas, parking and bin storage.

Construction of a leisure building to include a bowling alley, restaurant with second floor terrace area, mini golf and gaming areas.

There would also be the part-demolition of 75-81 Belvoir Road and change of use for retail including associated external alterations and parking, the demolition of 83 Belvoir Road, alterations to the Emporium nightclub, including part-demolition to the rear, together with a new access onto Belvoir Road and creation of associated public amenity areas.

Councillors, despite a few concerns, were largely in favour of the plan which, it was felt, would bring much needed re-generation to that part of town.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said: "I'm quite excited about this scheme, it's a golden opportunity to clean up this particular area.

"We all hope and pray it's going to happen this time."

He also asked for assurances that the area would be covered by CCTV - but was told this could only be a recommendation.

Cllr Ray Morris was equally as enthusiastic about the development and said: "It's a pleasure to get an application like this before us, there are so many things going for it.

"It gets rid of some unsightly buildings and we get a leisure facility which will generate employment.

"It also gives us 28 more properties in a sector which is under-served in Coalville."

Cllr Dave Bigby expressed concerns that there were not enough parking spaces as part of the development.

But Cllr Doug Cooper suggested the developers should make contact with the nearby Marlene Reid Centre charity and make a donation.

He said: "It would be a gesture of goodwill, maybe the developers would put some money the way of Marlene Reid Centre, it's a successful charity right in the heart of the town.

"For goodwill, it'd be a excellent thing to do."

Cllr John Legrys spoke as ward member for Coalville West, and said the Coalville public may need convincing this development will become a reality.

He told the meeting: "We welcome the investment coming in on the back of this. But there is scepticism among the population, in the town centre, after promises over the years of previous large scale developments, that haven't happened.

"But one of the joint applicants is Arthur Holland, a well known local businessman, he runs the Emporium, and has poured a lot of money into that institution.

"I would suspect no-one would invest in this if it weren't going to happen."

But he had some concerns about the positioning of the proposed flats.

He added: "What I find upsetting is the outlook is on to the old railway line and the back of the precinct shops which is a shambles and a mess.

"I don't think residents would be encouraged to move in until the Gylo site is improved.

"This site desperately needs improving at the back."