A bid to build nine homes off a busy Hugglescote road is set to be decided next week.

The plan for land off Station Road, is to be debated at North West Leicestershire District Council's upcoming planning committee meeting, with councillors recommended to approve the plan.

It is not the first attempt to build on the site, with permission previously granted for eight, two-storey homes and one bungalow there.

However, developer Hardingstone Property LLP submitted an updated scheme last year to instead build nine bungalows, saying this would "create more space" in and around each home, and meet demand for "much-needed single storey dwellings" in North West Leicestershire.

The application has since been modified again, with one of the nine now reverted back to a two-storey property at the advice of planning officers who said that house would be visible at the edge of the development and two storeys would be more in keeping with other homes in the area. A property already on the land is set to be maintained under the proposals.

A plan of the proposed site for the new development in Hugglescote near Coalville. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

The intention to build on the land has been accompanied by long-running concerns over the impact on local roads. Residents fear potential gridlock, with others saying speeding was common along Station Road, putting people at risk.

One objector said: "Despite a speed restriction of 30mph we very often see cars going much quicker. With restricted visibility due to the nature of the road and high walls at the proposed access there is the high risk of accidents."

Leicestershire County Council, as the highways authority, has not raised any concerns over the scheme, while Hardingstone has previously dismissed objectors' concerns, saying: "This application does not impact on the highway safety."

It added: "The site is well connected in terms of public transport and links to surrounding villages and towns. Opportunities for transport by bus, rail, foot and cycle are a realistic alternative to the car, due to the location of the site and surrounding land usage."

Further concerns were raised over the loss of a public open space, increased pressure on public services in the area and disruption to neighbours during the development phase. Some 18 letters of objection were received by the council over the scheme.

However, the developer has argued its proposals would make use of an "underused piece of land". It added: "The proposed development site is of a high quality layout, design, scale and uses high quality materials. It will enhance the visual appearance and character of the area [and it] provides much needed residential accommodation in the current housing climate."

Planning committee members will vote on the scheme next week.