Outline plans for a 105-home development in Ravenstone have been given the green light - despite a warning that a nearby road layout means people 'take their lives in their hands'.

North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee approved the scheme, from the applicant Cheshire-based builders Gladman Developments Ltd & Coombes, which would be on land off Wash Lane.

But the application was taken before the committee by former Councillor Elliott Allman as, in his opinion, the proposed development is inappropriate.

He says it is outside the defined limits to development, the local schools and doctors' surgeries are oversubscribed, and there are no shops within the local area.

But Ravenstone and Packington ward councillor, Nigel Smith, said the location of the development will only add to the risks posed by the area's road layout.

He said: "The junction at the top of Church Lane is one of the most dangerous in this district.

"You take your life in your hands.

"I would ask that the committee considers the implications of the road layout. I've tried for years to improve it.

"The last conversation I had with County Council highways about it was quite fractious.

"I'd like to ask you to defer this and to consider limiting the dangers at this junction.

"Fatalities are just waiting to happen."

The homes would be built on land off Wash Lane. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

However, a further enquiry from Cllr David Bigby resulted in the committee being told that money spent on junction improvements would be directed towards the delayed A511 scheme from Coalville to Ashby.

The council says it has been advised that there are no funds available to improve this junction.

Cllr John Legrys had other concerns about the proposed development.

He said: "I think this is particularly difficult, it's been five years since it was introduced.

"Things have moved on. I'm aware it's been included in the local plan.

"I use the junction often, but driving straight across is extremely dodgy and I never do that.

"I am taking notice of the poor highway layout, but we have to go with what the experts are telling us.

"But we need to make sure we get what we want out of it in terms of 106 money.

"My biggest fear is that things are very different from five years ago, it's being dealt with by a totally different authority.

"This must come back to the council with details for the parishioners of Ravenstone and Snibstone, and the people of Coalville.

"I am concerned that the development will take longer than necessary to get underway - with the changes in local government planned, we could end up with a damaged development."

The agent for the applicant, Helen Ball, told councillors: "This offers a positive contribution to the edge of Coalville.

"The site is R17 in the Local Plan and has received very little opposition.

"It would maintain the council's local housing supply.

"It's considered the site is in a sustainable location."

The committee heard that it was agreed that affordable housing would be 'delivered in a timely manner' with market housing sold initially, following questions from Cllr Ray Morris.

Councillors voted six to four in favour of permitting the application,